Hamvention is returning to Greene County this weekend

Hamvention attendees come from all over the world for an event now in seventh decade in the Dayton area. CHRIS STEWART/FILE

Hamvention attendees come from all over the world for an event now in seventh decade in the Dayton area. CHRIS STEWART/FILE

Hamvention, the world’s largest gathering of amateur radio operators, is returning to the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center for the third year in a row this Friday through Sunday.

Organizers say that more than 30,000 attendees are expected at the event this year, and it is expected to add as much as $20 million into the Miami Valley economy.

The event has seen attendance grow by more than 6,000 people since moving to Greene County.

“Because they took the chance on us, we’re growing by leaps and bounds,” organizer Dan Bullen told News Center 7’s Gabrielle Enright on Thursday. “Within the next five years, people will see events here they never thought they would see in Greene County.”

Sessions and activities will be hosted on various topics, including weather spotting, alternative energy sources and satellite communications. There will also be exhibits featuring the latest amateur radio equipment as well as vendors selling a variety of other electronic equipment.

Hamvention hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets can be bought Friday and Saturday can be bought for $27 at the pedestrian entrance booth. Entrance for Sunday will not require a ticket.

Some parking will be available at the fairgrounds, but organizers are urging drivers to use off-site parking and shuttles to avoid traffic issues. Off-site parking and shuttle information can be fount at the Parking & Directions page on the Hamvention website.

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