The Marion Amateur Radio Club is holding their annual Field Day this weekend. From 2:00 pm Saturday to 2:00 pm Sunday, local “hams” will be at Sawyer-Ludwig Park providing demonstrations and the chance to try out this hobby which also serves as a vital source for emergency communications.
The event will include several stations with radio setups ranging from those using computers and satellites to those using items found around the house, such as a bedspring. Guests are encouraged to sit down at a radio and try it out.
The weekend will feature a 60 foot tall portable tower which will provide even more range for the radio operators who regularly talk with other operators around the world.
The event is free and serves as a way for the group to hone their skills and to introduce new people to the activity.
As part of the Field Day, the Marion County Commissioners Thursday proclaimed this week as Amateur Radio Week. In the proclamation, the Commissioners pointed to the services the volunteers provide, including storm spotting and emergency communications when all other forms of communicating have failed. The club also provides free radio communications for many events in the Marion area.
The Commissioners commended the Amateur Radio Operators of Marion County for their dedication, service, and commitment to the residents and community of Marion County.
In thanking the Commissioners for the proclamation, radio club member Jack Hale said that amateur radio operators are the first ones in during an emergency such as the tornados that destroyed Joplin, MO. He said they are also often the last ones out.
For more information on the group, including how you can get started with this hobby, visit their website at www.marionhamradio.org.
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