Amateur radio club to host Kids Day, Field Day events in Plover

By Patrick Lynn

PLOVER — Local amateur radio operators will welcome the public to two upcoming events aimed at introducing residents to the world of ham radio while demonstrating its role in communications and emergency preparedness.

The Central Sands Amateur Radio Club will host Kids Day from noon to 5 p.m. June 20 on the large field south of Walmart and west of Goodwill in Plover.

The free event is geared toward youth, but families of all ages are encouraged to attend. Organizers say the event is designed to give young people hands-on experience with amateur radio and encourage interest in earning their own licenses.

Kids Day is held twice each year through the American Radio Relay League, the national association for amateur radio. The event promotes the hobby by allowing children and teens to communicate over the airwaves under the supervision of licensed operators.

The club will also participate in ARRL Field Day from 1 p.m. June 27 through 1 p.m. June 28 at the same location. The 24-hour event will include overnight operations.

Field Day is the largest annual amateur radio event in the United States and Canada. Each year, thousands of operators set up temporary radio stations in parks, fields and other public locations to demonstrate their ability to communicate without relying on traditional infrastructure.

Organizers said the event highlights amateur radio’s role in emergency communications, public service and technical education. More than 31,000 operators across North America are expected to participate.

Members of the public are invited to stop by during either event to learn more about amateur radio, observe demonstrations and speak with local operators.