All,
The tailgate party/hamfest in Bonham yesterday (Saturday, November 15, 2025) was a blast! There were probably 20 tables and other people backed up to the pavilion with their trucks, tailgates down, and SUVs, hatches open, and there was a nice variety of stuff for sale. There was quite a bit of transactional activity! It was scheduled to run from 0900-1200 and I got there at 0850 and stayed until 1145. While I did not attempt a head count, I think from beginning to end there were probably about two hundred people that were in and out of the event.
Our friend and tower climber James Hunt (KI5DQ) was there and in good health, if looking a little frail after recent heart surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery, after five days in the hospital, and will be back working at his full-time job later in the month.
The hamfest was held by the Fannin County ARC (K5FRC) and their sponsors were numerous and varied. Fix and Feed, the Windham Feed Sack, Tractor Supply, Main Trading, DX Engineering, Loan Star Pawn & Jewelry, Red Coop, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Atwood’s and even ARRL were listed as sponsors. The Club got a nice banner made up.
The Red River Valley ARC was well represented with Mark Johnson (W5PTX), myself, Steven Lott Smith (KG5VX), Mike Rice (WB5KWK), Ronnie Rumsey (KA5LEK), Thomas Sorensen (AF5WO), James Yost (KA8FRK) and Bailey, Charles Penry (WA5VHU), Barry Bryant (K5AXI) and new RRVARC member and current FCARC president Keith Mumaw (KI5VNL).
Next year will be indoors in the Bonham armory, now known as the Roy V. Floyd Community Center (1100 W. 5th Street), on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Mark it on your calendar now!
73
Phillip Beall (W5EBC)
