Q. I am planning on attending this year's hamfest but I have a question on tickets. If I buy a ticket on Friday at the gate, is that ticket good for Saturday as well or do I have to buy another ticket for Saturday?
A. NO. Registration tickets are good for all two days whether purchased at the gate or in advance.
Q. Will there be an indoor flea market this year?
A. NO. The "premium" outdoor flea market parking spaces are no longer available. An indoor flea market was explored. The fairgrounds management wants $2,400 to rent the building that would be used for that purpose. That figure makes individual table rental prices out of sight. Potential indoor flea market vendors should consider a booth in the Dome building. Contact hamfest management for details at 585-424-7184 during east coast business hours.
Q. I've heard a rumor that the Fairgrounds is bankrupt and there will be no Rochester Hamfest this year. Is that true?
A. There WILL be a Rochester Hamfest this year, and at least for the next three years. See the "Future Dates" page. The Fairgrounds has sold 30 acres of the 80 acre property. There is an ongoing major redevelopment at the property under a $12 million master plan. For details, go to expoctr.htm.The Fairgrounds is a private not for profit corporation, The Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association, Inc. It is NOT a county owned facility.
Q. Why do I have to wait until 6 a.m. Friday to set up in the outdoor flea market?
A. The Rochester Hamfest leases the Fairgrounds and its buildings for two days only, Friday, and Saturday. If we start using the grounds on Thursday or earlier, the Fairgrounds will bill us for additional day(s).
The Rochester Hamfest committee must appear before the Town Board of the Town of Henrietta, N.Y. to apply for a variance to conduct the flea market. A copy of the year 2007 approval letter from the town clerk's office is viewable here.
Q. What happens if I arrive and set up Thursday or earlier in the week?
A. You are on your own. The Rochester Hamfest's Fairgrounds lease and Town of Henrietta Special Use Permit does not start until Friday. If the Fairgrounds management chooses to charge you rent for the entire grounds for a day or more, they are within their legal rights.
It is also possible the grounds may be leased or rented to another organization or show prior to Friday.
Q. Is there power available in the outdoor flea market?
A. Your flea market parking permit does NOT include power. If you are able to access power, expect the fairgrounds personnel to collect a fee. The fairgrounds will determine the fee you will be charged for use of their power.
Q. Why should I deposit my ticket stub in the ticket drum?
A. For a chance to win an award (prize). See the prizes page of this site. The stub is also used to update our brochure mailing list. The list is NEVER sold or released to any outside party.
Q. Can I purchase additional registration tickets in order to have a greater opportunity to win one of the awards?
A. Yes.
Q. I see the DoubleTree and Marriott are no longer hamfest headquarters. What happened?
A. The DoubleTree could not accommodate our Friday awards dinner in 2007. The Marriott Thruway Hotel was given to the Rochester Institute of Technology by the hotel owners, the DelMonte Corporation. The former Marriott Hotel has been renamed the RIT Inn & Conference Center and is once again hamfest headquarters. The RIT Inn hosted our 2007 awards dinner. The 2008 awards dinner will be at the RIT Inn.
Q. Can I purchase my tickets at the RIT Inn & Conference Center hamfest headquarters?
A. Yes. The reception desk at hotel headquarters will open at noon, Thursday, May 29. The desk will remain open throughout the weekend (except for midnight hours).
Q. Has the Rochester telephone area code changed? It used to be 716.
A. It has been changed to 585. The old code is no longer usable.
Q. I bought something from an inside vendor. It does not work properly. What shall I do?
A. Contact the vendor directly. All inside vendors are listed on the hamfest web site. You should have received an invoice with the vendors name and address listed. To protect your interest, you should always pay with a credit card. If the vendor does not accept credit cards, find another vendor.
Q. I bought something from an outside vendor. It does not work properly. What shall I do?
A. Outside vendors do not register with the hamfest management. To protect yourself you should always ask for a receipt, a business card complete with an address and telephone number. Try to pay for your purchase with a credit card. If the purchase price is unbelievable low, be suspicious. Be prepared to walk away empty handed. Or, be prepared to toss the item when you discover it does not work.
Q. Are handicap scooters available?
A. No. You must make your own arrangements with a scooter rental firm. A starting point is a firm named Scootaround. Their toll free number is 888-441-7575.