Local amateur radio operators hosting 24-hour “Field Day” in Bryant June 27 & 28

What would we do to communicate if our internet and phones failed? Members of the Benton Amateur Radio Society will demonstrate a solid option as they participate in the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise for a full 24 hours at Mills Park in Bryant.

Field Day is a showcase for how Amateur Radio works reliably under any conditions from almost any location to create an independent communications network.

Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during this event to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

To observe, come to Pavilion #1 at Mills Park in Bryant from 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 27th until 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendees are being asked to wear a mask.

“Ham radio functions completely independent of the internet or cell phone infrastructure, can interface with laptops or smartphones, and can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. That’s the beauty of Amateur Radio during a communications outage,” says David Isgur. His call sign is N1RSN, and he is communications manager for ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio, (www.arrl.org) which represents amateur (or “ham”) radio operators across the country.

“In today’s electronic do-it-yourself environment, ham radio remains one of the best ways for people to learn about electronics, physics, meteorology, and numerous other scientific disciplines, and is a huge asset to any community during disasters or emergencies if the standard communication infrastructure goes down,” Isgur stated.

Anyone may become a licensed amateur radio operator. There are more than 725,000 licensed hams in the United States, as young as 9 and as old as 100. And with clubs such as the Benton Amateur Radio Society, it’s easy for anybody to get involved right here in central Arkansas.

Find Benton Amateur Radio Society online at the following: