Vendor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Berryville Hamfest?
The Berryville Hamfest is always held the first Sunday in August.
What’s your typical attendance?
Attendance has been holding steady in recent years.
1500+ General Admission
200+ Tailgaters
80-100 Inside Vendor Tables
Do vendors pay admission?
Yes, in addition to their space rental fee, the admission fee is $10 for each person over the age of 16. Children under 16 are free. Please pay when you enter the Fairgrounds the day of the event.
Are there any discounts for admission (senior citizen, veterans, etc.)?
No except that children under 16 can get in free. We have kept our admission fees the lowest of any hamfest in the region. We also don’t want to do anything to slow down cars getting into the fairgrounds by asking ticket sellers to figure out different rates. When cars don’t move quickly, traffic can back up on the highway, causing unsafe conditions.
Do I have to buy an entrance ticket for my helpers?
Yes, unless they are just there to help you load and unload. We trust you on this.
How do vendors reserve space and pay? ONLINE REGISTRATION!
Register online to request the building and number of tables you want. Our Vendor Coordinator will approve your request or communicate with you to make sure we understand what you want. Then you will receive an emailed invoice with instructions on how to pay. You will now have the option of paying online with a credit card or—as before—mailing a check to our Treasurer. If we have to make any changes to your preferred space and location, we will always let you know. And if there is any change in your ability to be at the event, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible.
Are there any other hamfests we can attend the same weekend?
Yes! The Roanoke Hamfest is usually on Saturday, the day before ours. Some vendors attend that and come to Berryville later in the afternoon to set up. For more info on their event: http://roanokehamfest.info/.
Do you take credit cards or checks at the entrance?
No, please bring cash only to purchase admission tickets when you arrive.
Where is the nearest ATM?
There is no ATM on the Fairgrounds, but there are ATMs in nearby 7-11 locations: 10929 HARRY BYRD HWY, Berryville, VA 22611 and 10176 HARRY BYRD HWY, Berryville, VA 22611-5271.
The Bank of Clarke County has two ATM locations in Berryville:
• 400 McNeil Drive, Berryville, VA 22611
• 2 East Main Street, Berryville, VA 22611
Is handicapped parking available?
Yes. Just alert the ticket seller when you come in and they will direct you to closer parking area. We will also have a “Gator” available to help transport any “heavy” purchases to your car. If you need this, check with a club volunteer or the folks at the announcer’s stand. They can call the Gator driver.
Where are restrooms located?
There are restrooms under the Grandstand, in the Ruritan Building, and in the Horticulture Building. CLICK HERE for a rough map of the Fairgrounds. There are also porta-potties in remote locations.
How do hamfest attendees know where vendors are located?
Please visit the Vendor List by Building page. We promote our vendors before and during the event.
What’s the price for inside table spaces?
We have three vendor buildings. The only air-conditioned building is the Ruritan Building and the cost is $20 per space with table and chairs, but since current vendors get first chance at the spaces for the following year, this building is almost always pre-sold. Spaces in the other two buildings (including a table and chairs) are $15. Since we have kept the vendor space pricing the same for many years, all vendors are expected to pay the standard admission fee. The admission fee is $10 per person. See VENDOR INFORMATION.
Are the unairconditioned buildings uncomfortably hot?
Usually, they are quite comfortable for two reasons: the fairgrounds are shaded by many 100-year-old oak trees and we always open the big doors on each end of the buildings for maximum air circulation. We suggest vendors in these buildings might want to bring a personal fan.
Do inside vendors have access to electricity?
Yes, there are a few wall outlets in each building, but if you need access, we strongly recommend you bring extension cords, power strips, and cord protectors to cover the cords that cross walking areas.
Can I reserve an outdoor space? How much is a flea market/tailgate space?
There are three outdoor areas that can be reserved: 1) the Show Barn (under cover with sawdust floor), 2) the Small Pavilion near the announcement stand (under cover, grass floor), and 3) the Large Pavilion (under cover, concrete floor). Reserve an outdoor space using our Vendor registration page.
No other outdoor flea market/tailgating spaces may be reserved ahead of time – they’re available on a first come, first served basis. These spaces are $10 each in addition to the per-person admission. The gates open at 6am on the day of the Hamfest (first Sunday in August).
When can vendors get into the buildings to set up?
Vendors will have access to the vendor buildings after 2pm on the day before the Hamfest (Saturday) and until 6pm that evening unless they make arrangements with the Vendor Coordinator ahead of time for late arrival. The buildings will be locked overnight. They will only open to the public on Sunday (the day of the Hamfest) after all the vendors in the building are set up, but no later than 8am.
May I bring my pet(s)?
The owners of the Clarke County Fairgrounds do not allow pets.
Why can’t we bring firearms/weapons?
The Fairgrounds do not belong to us, and we are complying with the owners’ requirements for use of the property.