The skies were clear, the air was crisp, and the radios were humming — that was the scene early Saturday morning at the Sevier County Hamfest in Sevierville, Tennessee. Mother Nature played nice… for a while.
By around 11AM, the weather took a turn, and the rain came down hard. But in true ham radio fashion, nobody packed up and ran. Radios were still selling, conversations kept going, and the turnout remained strong despite the soggy situation.
If you missed it, catch the full video recap here:
🎥 Watch on YouTube
🎙️ The Heart of Ham Radio
The Sevier County Hamfest may be small compared to big-name shows like Huntsville or Dayton, but don’t let the size fool you. What this event lacked in square footage, it made up for in solid deals, great gear, and real community spirit.
- Gear Galore: From vintage HF rigs to modern VHF/UHF portables, there were serious finds on the tables. If you know what you’re looking for — or even if you don’t — this was the place to score.
- Local Support: Operators from across East Tennessee showed up strong, including folks from the Smoky Mountain Amateur Radio Club and other regional groups. This wasn’t just a swap meet — it was a gathering of friends.
- Bargains You’ll Brag About: Real-world prices, no eBay markup. Whether you were a seasoned Elmer or a brand-new Tech, you could find something worth taking home.
☔ Ham Radio Doesn’t Melt
Let’s be real — rain can kill the vibe at a lot of events. But this crowd wasn’t phased. Tents popped up, umbrellas came out, and folks just kept on talking, buying, and making connections. That’s ham radio resilience in action.
There’s something special about these local shows. No fluff. No hype. Just radios, operators, and genuine interest in keeping the hobby alive.
🔧 What’s Next?
I may have brought home a piece of gear you’ll see in a future stream — but I’ll let you watch the video to find out. What I didn’t bring home was dry socks, but I’ll take that trade any day for a morning like this one.
If you’ve never made it to the Sevier County Hamfest, put it on your list for 2026. It’s affordable, accessible, and packed with the kind of folks that make ham radio worth doing.
Live, Learn, Transmit. Welcome to the shack.
— Josh, AA4WX
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