“Hamfest Iowa” may sound like something involving hog production, but the Iowa State Fairgrounds is hosting the event tomorrow for ham radio enthusiasts. It’s a swap meet, a flea market and a chance for amateur radio fans from across Iowa to meet in person, instead of on-the-air.Jim Wieder is helping coordinate Hamfest, which is bringing in vendors from as far away as Connecticut. Wieder says it’s a good place to start if you know nothing about ham radio operations but think it sounds interesting.Besides being a fun hobby and providing the chance to talk to people around the globe, Wieder says ham radio also provides a vital community service in times of trouble.The Hamfest is underway from eight to three Sunday only at the fairgrounds in Des Moines.
