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Amateur radio operators from across Central Illinoi and beyond will be con- verging on Carlinville on Saturday, August 7 for a “Hamfest” that will include numerous outdoor dis- plays, seminars, an indoor and outdoor flea market, radio controlled aircraft exhibits, prize drawings, amateur radio testing and more.
The annual event, the West Central Illinois Hamfest, was postponed last year because of COVID-19 pandemic. This year, it returns to its tra- ditional spot at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds, 21149 Route 4 in Carlinville, Ill. from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $5 person, children 16 and under free.
Jointly sponsored by the Macoupin County Amateur Radio Club, the
Springfield based Sangamon Valley Radio Club, the Okaw Valley Radio Club in Greenville and the Montgomery County Radio Club, Hilsboro, the annual event draws not only amatuer radio operators (also known as “hams”), but also welcomes the public.
Among other exhibits, Hamfest goers will be able to get a first-hand look at local emergency response resources and view radio controlled airplanes provided by the Springfield based Sangamon Valley Radio Controlled Flyers Club chapter of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, which will be participating in the AMA sanctioned event and swap meet for the first time, reflecting the close link between the two hobbies. Depending on the model, operators of some radio- controlled planes must hold at least a Technician’s lelvel amateur radio license issued by the Federal Communications Commission, in order to operate their craft. All amateur radio operators must hold a FCC license ranging from Technician to advanced.
Hourly free fourms starting at 8:00 a.m., will include a look at the role of amateur radio emer- gency operations in earthquakes and other disasters, amateur satellites and space weather, portable amateur radio operations,the hobby of radio controlled airplanes, and a current overview of the Amateur Radio Relay Legaue (ARRL), the national organization of whcih the four hamfest sponsoring club are affiliated.
For more information about the hamfest, go to wcilhamfest.com.
