One of the last events of the summer for RMHAM is the Summer SwapFest. Members arrived early and at various times to help with the event at Adams County Fairgrounds. Several vendors were eager to set up their treasures and get ready for the day. The kitchen was open with donuts, breakfast burritos, and coffee available to start off the morning. Some attendees arrived early in anticipation of the event and waited for the start of the event. At 9 am the attendees poured into the facility to see the offerings of radios, parts and other items offered for sale. Door Prize tickets were tumbled and mixed in the squirrel cage then drawn in about 20-minute intervals. Volunteer Examiners (VE) proctored individuals taking tests to become a amateur radio operator or increase their license privileges.
In the middle of the event, Amanda, K1DDN, Colorado ARRL Section Manager, announced and presented Wayne, N0POH, a plaque for being the Colorado Ham of the Year. It is a well-deserved award which acknowledges Wayne’s efforts of managing RMHAM SwapFests for many years, his work helping other amateur radio clubs, and his contributions to the amateur radio community at large.
As the drawing for door prizes were completed with the last item given away, the kitchen having sold the last hamburgers, people started to pack and clean up to leave for the day. Members left for home to rest and recover from seeing lots of members, fellow amateur radio operators and a worthwhile day of activities. We are looking forward to the next RMHAM SwapFest which is February 14, 2027.
With the Summer Swapfest complete, members closed the summer out by helping with the W1AW/0 America250 Worked All States (WAS) event which started prior to Labor Day and ran until this past Tuesday, September 8. Lots of contact were made with amateur radio operators in the United States, as well as amateur radio operators from other countries. With the start of fall, RMHAM members are looking forward to site maintenance visits, the Colorado QSO Party on September 12, and the start of RMHAM University October 10th.