Hamfest Sign
It was time for the Shelby Hamfest again, so this year, Beth Ann and I decided to camp at the fairground where the hamfest was held. The fairground has full hookup on many of its campsites. To insure a favorable site, we decided to take the camper up to Shelby the weekend before the hamfest began. We arrived during the morning of August 27, and met up with our friend, Jack Norris, WB4TWX, who was also there early to set up his camper. We managed to get 2 full-service sites next to each other in a prime location, suitable for selling our "quality wares" during the hamfest.
Jack had always said that even though the Shelby Hamfest was advertised officially as a 2-day event, it was in reality a week-long event. That fact was observed, as a number of campers were already set-up. More campers showed up shortly after we arrived.
We stayed overnight in our camper at the hamfest site. We watched the news and discovered that a fierce hurricane named Katrina was about to engage the Gulf Coast in the New Orleans area. At least this storm was far enough away that it would not affect us...(or that's what we thought.) We had to work Monday and Tuesday, so on Sunday, we told Jack "bye," secured our camper, and began the long trek home. We made it back to Savannah safely Sunday evening.
Hurricane Katrina struck and devastated the Gulf Coast around New Orleans on August 29.
As soon as we both got off from work on Tuesday evening, we began the long trip back to Shelby. The hurricane news was very distressing, as many people were reported killed, injured, or homeless. Several major fuel pipelines had been damaged by the storm causing an increase in gas prices, and even a threat of gas shortages at various gas stations. We arrived at the Shelby Fairground/Campsite around 8:30pm Tuesday evening. Jack informed us that several of his relatives were missing in the storm ravaged area.
On Wednesday, even with all the bad news concerning Katrina, we began setting up our flea market area. After setup, we covered our wares and ate lunch.
Around 2pm, we were open for business. Our first perspective customers stopped by to check out our "stuff."
More people stopped by our flea market display Thursday and Friday as more hams arrived.
Several "walks" around the fairground revealed less attendance than normal, but under the circumstances, there was still a decent crowd. There was still a lot of "good junque" at this hamfest. I had several chances to walk around the flea market on the fairground and see everyone else's wares.
There were alot of "Boatanchors" or big antique radios for sale. If I had the room, I would own a few of these old classics.
By Saturday, we had sold almost everything that we had. Jack sold most of his items. Beth Ann sold her old 19 inch CRT computer monitor and much of her surplus jewelry. I made enough money to purchase an Icom 706MKIIG ham radio for the camper. Jack received some great news that his missing family members were OK.
Even with high prices and a gas shortage, Beth Ann and I wanted to go to the Hendersonville, NC Apple Festival. After closing down our flea market area, we hopped in the Trailblazer headed to the Festival. There were many crafts, food, appples, and apple cider. We had a good time and were able to find gas, although prices were well over $3 a gallon.
Sunday morning we packed-up, told Jack bye and headed home. It had been a long week full of adventure and uncertainties. We found "expensive," available gas, and was able to make it back to Savannah, GA safely.
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