Alamogordo Hamfest Turns 40 This September

The Alamogordo Amateur Radio Club is celebrating a big milestone — their 40th Annual Hamfest — and they're doing it right. The ARRL-sanctioned event takes place on 5 September 2026, at the Otero County Fairgrounds in Alamogordo, NM, running from 7am to roughly 3pm.

Best part? Admission is free.

The prize lineup this year is seriously worth showing up for: first place takes home a Yaesu FT-710 AESS, second gets a Xiegu G90 and accessories, third a Mini 1.3 OLED Zumspot, and fourth a DM-30TR. Prize drawing tickets are $8 if postmarked before 29 August (and early birds are eligible for a $50 cash pre-registration prize), or $10 at the door.

Vendors can set up the day before from 3–7pm. Tables run $15, or $6 if you bring your own. Electrical is available at most spots.

ARRL license testing (Tech, General, and Extra) kicks off around 9am — bring a photo ID and your FRN.

RVs are welcome, parking is plentiful, and there's a dump station on site. The club is also looking for presenters, so if you've got something to share with the community, reach out.

To pre-register or get the latest updates, visit www.qsl.net/k5lrw/hamfest.htm or contact Hamfest Chair Rusty KI5RUS at rjaskolo@gmail.com