Join us for ham radio's biggest event, our annual public Field Day, June 26-27 in the pavilion at Clavarack Town Park, 91 Church St in Mellenville, from 2 p.m. Saturday through 2 p.m. Sunday. The public is invited to view operations, and even to get on the radio under the guidance of a licensed ham radio operator. Hams from across North America participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations running on emergency power with temporary antennas in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Their use of radio signals, which reach beyond borders, bring people together while providing essential communication in the service of communities. Field Day highlights ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless communications network. This year's event is also noteworthy given that a particularly active hurricane season is predicted. “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” said club President Joe Sacco (call sign KC2JMS). “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others,” Sacco added. "Even far from the event, our members can aid by relaying messages to the National Hurricane Center."