A local club is participating in a national amateur radio event this weekend. An event called Field Day takes place the fourth weekend in June every year. According to the ARRL, which is the National Association for Amateur Radio, the event is part picnic, campout, practice for emergencies and informal contest. Members of the Coffeyville club will be among more than 35,000 amateurs who are expected to participate.

 

Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club president John Vest says the flexible technology that will be on display this weekend is independent of traditional communications infrastructure and can be a lifeline when other forms of communication fail.

 

While Field Day serves as a practice drill for a communications emergency, Vest says the atmosphere is relaxed and is a good chance for the public to learn about amateur radio.

 

Field Day will start at 1 p.m this Saturday and run for 24 hours until 1 p.m. on Sunday. The public is welcome to stop by Oakcrest Lodge at Pfister Park in Coffeyville located across the street from the Aviation Heritage Museum. A link to more information is available here.