Open to the Public
Friday, October 3, 2025 – Noon – 6PM ET
Saturday, October 4, 2025 – 8AM – 3PM ET

Welcome to the New Hamfest Chattanooga…our 47th Hamfest!

This year we take a bold step forward by relocating our show to a first-class venue, The Colonnade, in Ringgold, GA.  Relocation was not lightly taken, and several factors influenced the decision to do so:

• We outgrew our venue of the last few years at the East Ridge Community Center.
• The proximity of major Interstate road construction at I-75 & I-24 along with significant side road maintenance, strongly suggested that we look at other locations that provided more options for easier, less stressful paths to and from the event.
• The long history & success of our event motivated us to remain in the ranks of other “brick & mortar” hamfests around the country rather than to be less…we still want to provide more fun, enjoyment, and education to the community of radio enthusiasts that exist in Ham & GMRS Radio.
• The availability of hotels & restaurants in the vicinity is high from Exit 2A on I-75 to Lookout Mountain for those that wish to spend more time in our area and make it a family fun trip for radio enthusiasts or not.

Growth Comes With Changes.
Just as with our decision to relocate, our decisions regarding pricing for the show were not made lightly.  We consulted several of our longtime vendors, previous guests, and reviewed the pricing of other shows to develop a fair pricing for admission, tables/space, and related items which would enable our show to remain “in the black”.

The bottom line is that our show pays its way and does not receive government subsidies or incentives.  Our membership supports our event by their dues and their labor to make our show happen.  You, as vendors and guests, make our show successful by your presence, your attendance, and your word-of-mouth advertising for it.  At the end of the day, we must pay our bills, make enough to not only cover our expenses but retain enough as seed money for the next show, and hopefully have some surplus to fund club projects which benefit the radio community as a whole.

General Admission:
$10 for Guests 18+ Years of Age, which includes 1 admission ticket & 1 door prize ticket per paying guest.  The $10 admission & door prize ticket are valid for both days of the show.

Youth Admission (Less than 18 Years of Age):
Free when accompanied by a paying adult, 18+ Years of Age; guests under 18 are not eligible to participate in door prize drawings; accompanying adults are required to supervise youth in their charge.

Methods of Payment:
To keep our own costs down and to avoid passing along charges for credit card use to our guests, we only accept cash for admission payment.  So bring cash along to pay for admission, outside flea market space, etc.  Please note, there is NO on-site ATM machine, so if you intend to use cash, you must bring it with you.

Vendors may accept credit cards or cash.  Please inquire of your vendors as necessary.

Access to the show and building will be managed via a system of colored wristbands.

Hamfest Chattanooga continues to offer a variety of space options for those wishing to sell radios, equipment, gear, supplies, etc., in a venue space that is right for them and their pocketbook:

Main Floor Space – oriented toward commercial vendors and sellers and more serious individuals who need high-quality, inside space that is available rain or shine, cold or hot, wet or dry.  Space is available with or without tables or tables.  For those that need it, standard 110-volt AC power is available for only $10 for the two-day event.

Main Hall Space – oriented toward radio-related clubs and organizations.  Clubs and radio-related organizations are provided 1 table free of charge to promote their club or organization and sell memberships.  However, gear, radios, etc., may NOT be sold in this space.  It is also a controlled climate environment, just like the Main Floor.

Open Air Flea Market.  Our flea market provides ample space for vehicles, trailers, etc., in a paved, flat parking lot with outside security lighting and overnight parking (for a small fee) for those who wish to stay on-site overnight.

Talk-In Service – Radio & Phone (423-591-5091)
On-Air assistance with directions and general information will be available on Friday, October 3rd, and Saturday, October 4th on the 145.390 (107.2 Tone) repeater.  AllStarLink Node 602640 or Echolink Node 859388 (W4AM-R).

Alternatively, you may call the Club Phone for information and directions:  423-591-5091

Volunteers.
Volunteers who work 4 or more hours will receive an admission wristband at no charge reflecting their service to our Hamfest.  This provides them free admission to the show; however, volunteers that wish to participate in door prize drawings, MUST purchase a door prize ticket (one ticket per volunteer).