2025 Atlanta Hamfest Cancelled

Yes, that's exactly what the website says. It's a shock with it less than two days away.

https://www.atlantaradioclub.org/atlanta-hamfestival.html

Here's the official announcement, on the website, email, and Facebook page:

Dear Friends,

We’re reaching out with unfortunate news — due to unforeseen circumstances,The 2025 Atlanta Hamfest, originally scheduled for this weekend June 7, 2025, has been canceled.

This was a difficult decision especially in light of such short notice. We know how disappointing this may be for those who were looking forward to the event and appreciate how much effort goes into planning your trip. We thank you for your support, patience, and understanding.

If you purchased tickets or tables, a full refund will be issued and mailed in the form of a check. Refunds will be processed within the next few business days.

Supporting events such as this is important to their viability and to the amateur radio experience as a whole. Thank you again for your support.

73 John Talipsky N3ACK
Chairman
Atlanta Hamfest

 

Due to "unforseen circumstances":
https://www.atlantaradioclub.org/atlanta-hamfestival.html

 

Can anyone give an explanation? I spent a lot of time getting ready and driving down on Friday evening, and I can only imagine the hundreds of disgruntled hams being turned away on Saturday morning. I'm scratching my head about why the club would turn down a 5k payday. (my guess with table fees and admission.)

 

The Tax man must be going to collect Tax on sales.

What a Bummer.

I have seen that happen before.

 

A club officer reported on social media that the county requires a mandatory fire inspection of any special event at any facility where food trucks, RVs/campers, or anything on their list is utilized, and the county charges a fee of $1000-1500 for this. It's clearly disclosed on the forms posted on their website. Why the club overlooked this and then chose not to pay it days before is a little perplexing. It's not as if the county said "oh by the way, we need another grand" when all of this was on the paperwork. Very poor decision to pull the plug at the last minute. I get it, no one likes to pay taxes, fees, etc but here is the reality: special events all cost money and require this and not just in Cobb county. The City of Atlanta makes one spend about ten times that depending on the size and scope of ones' event, requires one to hire off duty APD/FCSO officers at a $50-75 an hour rate, put up a bond/surety, etc.

Like finding affordable vertical real estate for repeaters, "cheap" or "free" event sites are coming to an end.