Planning to hit my first hamfest this weekend at the local VFW hall. I've been licensed for about 8 months now (KJ4XYZ) and finally ready to check one out. What should I bring besides cash? I heard you need exact change for most vendors? Also wondering about parking - do these things get crowded early? Any must-have items a new Tech should look for?

Bring a cart or wagon if you have one! Cash is king at hamfests, lots of vendors don't take cards. Get there early for parking - the good stuff goes fast and so do the close spots.

Don't forget to bring your license and maybe a business card with your call. Great for networking! Look for used handhelds - you can get some real deals on older Kenwood and Yaesu rigs.

As a fellow newer ham, I'd say set a budget and stick to it. My first hamfest I went nuts buying stuff I didn't need. Focus on maybe one good dual-band handheld or a simple antenna project.