Saskatchewan Hamfest 2013 was hosted by the Battlefords Amateur Radio Association on Saturday July 27.   Hamfest was held at the Legion Hall in Battleford, SK.

Things started on Friday evening with coffee, snacks and early setup at the hall. Those attending on Friday evening were able to Preregister for Saturday's Hamfest. The Friday Saskatchewan 2 Meter Linked Net was called from the Hamfest site. The whole gang attending the coffee get together was checked into the net.

Hamfest got started Saturday morning, almost as planed. Unfortunately the flea market part of the event was a bit of a bust, with very few fleas managing to catch a ride to Hamfest. Those attending did not seem to be upset over this and the true value of Hamfest could clearly be seen. It wasn't the fleas, displays and meetings, it was the socializing that was important. We all had a good time visiting and renewing acquaintances

Over all, Hamfest 2013 was a success despite the late start at planing and our committee of only 5, we proved that with a lot of work, even a small club can host Hamfest. A special thanks to Brenda - VE5HUG, Rick - VE5RGS and Ray - VE5RAE for all there hard work at Hamfest!  Saturday evening I was exhausted and QRTed very early for me, I was out for the night by 9:30.

Thank you to everyone, without those who attended, there would be no Hamfest, you made Hamfest 2013 a success.  You took the time, spent the money and came to visit us in the Battlefords! We especially appreciated those who stayed around for the whole event. The picture above shows who most of those were.   (check back, more pictures will be added)

73.. Ken - VE5KC

Flea Market Tables Available - Bring your Fleas!

Tailgater Sellers - Welcome!

We do however have the opportunity for tailgate venders to set up in the backyard which is fenced on three sides. Tailgaters must provide their own tables, shelter or whatever they need for their setup. The tailgate of your truck or van may be all you need. There is a door at the back of the hall going to the backyard.

Hamfest 2013 - schedule

Friday July 26, 2013

07:00 - 09:30        - Pre-Registration - early setup
- Meet & Greet - coffee & snacks
  [Sponsored by Frazer's nofrills N. Battleford]
-  Door Prizes for early attendance -
09:00                  - IRLP Net

Saturday July 27, 2013 - (all day) - Great Door Prizes!

Morning
08:00 -  09:00       - Vendor set up
09:00 - 12:00        - Flea Market

Afternoon
12:00 - 01:00        - Lunch - Flea Market closes
(12:30 - 01:00       - take down/ move tables & setup for SARL Meeting)
01:00 - 02:30        - SARL Meeting
02:30 - 03:15.       - Group Picture/ break
03:15 - 04:15        - DStar - Devon VE5DWR
04:15 - 05:15        - Balloon Project, Saskatoon ARC - Bruce VA5BNC
05:15 - 06:15        -  The Elecraft QRP HF rig - VE5KC
00:15 - 06:30        - Closing & door prize draws

Displays:

Flex Radio - SDR computer HF Radio - VE5RAE
DStar - VE5DWR - Devon will be operating a local DStar repeater
SARL - Saskatchewan Amateur Radio League
CLARA - Canadian Ladies Amateur Radio Association
YLRL - Young Ladies Radio League
Cochin Light house activation - VE5MC
Wireless 107.1 - Automated Radio Station - VE5KC
>> On the Air <<. . . with low power anouncement transmitter . . .

Final draws for major door prizes at end of program - aprox 6:30 PM

Things to do for Non Ham family members Shopping & Restaurants - (1/2 block from Hamfest) Tot lot & paddling pool - free - (1 block) Fred Light Museum - (4 blocks) Fort Battleford - (2km) Western Development Museum - (N. Battleford 8km) Gold Eagle Casino - (N. Battleford - free transportation available)

Major door prizes will be drawn for at the end of Hamfest.

 **  YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN! **

Please plan to take in the whole day, a lot of work and planning go into a Hamfest. Your full participation and involvement is part of making the event a success.  Better still book a motel or campsite and make a holiday of the weekend. There are are lots of things to do and see in the Battleford’s area.

We have the hall for the full day, so there is no problem with scheduling to go later in the day..