"Twas Hours Before Hamfest"
Written By Daryl Stout, WX4QZ

Twas hours before hamfest, and all through the hall.
No rig was transmitting, no callsigns at all.

The building secured, all doors are locked tight.
But they would soon open, at mornings first light.

The tables of vendors, with items, were full.
Hoping for buyers of gear that was cool.

The flea market tables, with used gear galore.
Cheaper than new at The Big Candy Store.

The rooms were all quiet, for forums and exams.
Soon filled with observers, and upgrading of hams.

The parking lot silent, free spaces abound,
But soon there won't be, a space to be found!!

Long before sunrise, alarm clocks would sound;
Early arising, for long drives, abound.

To travel to breakfast, and then hamfest site.
To get the best deals, at cost, oh so right.

The Talk-In now active, directing all those,
Who traveled to hamfest, on so many roads.

Once parking was found, now line out the door.
You wondered if you'd ever see the whole floor!!

Now gotten inside, where does one go first??
The choices abound, like frequency hertz!!

Meeting of fellow hams, there face to face.
Crowds made it so hard to walk in the place!!

Special Event Stations, now working the bands,
Calling CQ, the contacts, demand.

Transactions abound, as new gear is bought.
And good deals on used rigs, are too, being sought.

In forum rooms, the topics, are being explained.
Learning new things, is never constrained.

Examinees going for license upgrades.
Or joining the hobby, the goals to be made.

DF-ing, there looking for transmitter fox.
The signal may or may not be in a box!!

Displays of vehicles, EmComm and more,
So much to see there, both ends of the floor.

If large convention, of more than one day.
Banquets, and speakers, and fun every way.

The Wouff Hong at Midnight, good time had by all.
ARRL Members, there in the hall.

But, sooner or later, the hamfest must end.
A gathering of fellow hams, and of close friends.

Loading up gear, that one did buy there.
The wallets now, have little, coinage to spare!!

Then, back in their vehicles, heading back home.
Wherever the next hamfest, has them to roam.

Whether it's big, or whether it's small...
Hamfests can be fun, for both one and all.

If one of these hamfest, you there, can attend.
It's where you'll meet fellow hams, and many new friends.

And, as this poem noted, all this will repeat,
Hamfests, exciting, fun filled, and so neat.

But, whether Hamvention, or festival small.
You will be welcome, no matter your call.

Whether Novice, Technician, or General, there.
Advanced, or Extra, the knowledge, to share.

Or if you're not licensed, this hobby is fun.
So much to offer, and modes to be done.

Knowing Morse Code, no longer is needed.
Study, and test; and you'll have succeeded.

Joining a family of hams there, worldwide.
A sense of accomplishment, victory, and pride.

The hobby, the hamfest, the modes, you'll recall.
So much to enjoy; and you'll have a ball.

Twas hours before hamfest, time to make plans.
To meet those you've talked to, there on the bands.

For hamfest awaits there, at mornings first light.
Seven Three, And Safe Travel, and to all, a good night.

**************************************************************************
From the "My Testimony --To Soar With Jesus Collection".
Written by Daryl Stout. (C) Copyright 1989, 2020 by Daryl Stout.
All Rights Reserved. Any abuse or unauthorized usage of this poetry
will be dealt with at The Judgment Before Jesus Christ. The "Soar
With Jesus" Eagle Design was created and designed by Dale Larison,
and it is used by permission. **************************************************************************
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