Every year, on the fourth weekend of June, amateur radio operators across North America come together for an event that is both a demonstration of their skills and a celebration of their community: the Amateur Radio Field Day. Organized by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event in the amateur radio calendar, drawing tens of thousands of participants from the United States and Canada. For the PRA, this is our cornerstone event that highlights not only communication effectiveness, but dozens of opportunities for learning, teaching, and understanding the plethora of theories behind wireless communication.
Field Day is a 24-hour event where ham radio operators set up their equipment in non-traditional locations—often in parks, fields, or other outdoor settings—to simulate emergency conditions. This exercise is not just about making contacts and logging frequencies, but about demonstrating the ability to operate independently of commercial power sources. Participants set up temporary stations powered by generators, batteries, or solar power, showcasing their readiness to provide communications in emergency situations.
For individual operators or those new to amateur radio, Field Day is an opportunity to practice essential skills. Setting up antennas, fine-tuning transmitters, and maintaining clear communication lines are all critical in a real emergency. Field Day provides a hands-on environment to refine these abilities. Additionally, operators can test new equipment, experiment with different frequencies, and enhance their understanding of radio wave propagation in a variety of conditions.
As mentioned, Field Day is a cornerstone event for the PRA. It fosters camaraderie and teamwork, as members collaborate to plan, set up, and operate their stations. It’s an educational experience, particularly for newer members who learn from seasoned operators. As we set up in Colorado Campground this year, The PRA has historically used Field Day as an avenue to engage the public, demonstrating the relevance and excitement of amateur radio. This outreach has allowed us to attract new members and promote awareness of the vital role amateur radio plays in emergency preparedness.
Beyond the technical aspects, Field Day is a social event. PRA families and friends join in, sharing meals and enjoying the outdoors. It’s a chance for us to connect, exchange stories, and build lasting friendships. The event culminates in a sense of achievement and pride, knowing that they’ve contributed to the preparedness and resilience of their communities.
Amateur Radio Field Day is more than just a test of technical skill—it’s a celebration of the amateur radio community’s spirit of service, learning, and fellowship. For both seasoned operators and newcomers, it’s an invaluable experience that underscores the importance of amateur radio in today’s world.
73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association