Calling all hams

OKANOGAN COUNTY - Field Day is a picnic, a campout, practice for emergencies, an informal contest and, most of all, fun!

ARRL Field Day is a popular on-the-air event held annually in the U.S. and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June, more than 35,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from remote locations.

It is a time where many aspects of amateur radio come together to highlight the many roles. While some will treat it as a contest, other groups use the opportunity to practice their emergency response capabilities. It is an opportunity to demonstrate to the organizations that amateur radio might serve in an emergency, as well as the general public.

The contest is simply to contact as many other stations as possible and to learn to operate radio gear in abnormal situations and less than optimal conditions.

The Okanogan County Amateur Radio Club W7ORC, is hosting this year's Field Day, and the public is invited to come check it out for free, from 10 a.m. this Saturday to l p.m. Sunday.

It will be held at 228 Cameron Lake Loop Rd. in Okanogan. Members will monitor 145.450,146.720, pi 100 and 146.520 simplex. At least two stations will be set up, along with and information on the club and amateur radio.

The club will also give tests for your license and to upgrade. For more information about testing and getting your license, go to the ARRL website. Testing begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. Bring your own refreshments and chairs.

More information and directions are posted on the club's website, www.okcarc.org, or call or text Mike, W7MCM, at (509) 449-0605.