My first local hamfest is coming up next month (RARSfest in North Carolina), and I'm pretty excited but not sure what to expect. I've got my General and about $300 burning a hole in my pocket. Any tips for a hamfest newbie? Should I bring cash? Are the used gear prices usually reasonable? I'm mainly interested in HF stuff but open to anything that catches my eye.

Definitely bring cash - lots of vendors prefer it and you'll get better deals. Get there early for the best selection, especially on quality used gear. Don't be afraid to test equipment before buying!

I went to my first hamfest last year and it was overwhelming but awesome! Bring a cart or wagon if you can - learned that the hard way carrying a heavy antenna tuner across the parking lot.

The flea market area is where the real treasures are. I've found some incredible vintage gear there that the sellers didn't even know what they had. Also check out the forums - great way to learn new techniques.