Field Day 2026 — Ops Debrief
After Action · Hokes Bluff Park
What a day.
Great food. Better fellowship. Over 35 participants and visitors turned out for Field Day 2026, and the energy never lagged.
Club gear got a real workout. K4JMC equipment was put on the air, checked out clean, and logged confirmed contacts. Everything we needed to prove ready for emergency-style ops held up.
Weather was classic Alabama summer: hot, no rain on us, and a steady breeze off the pop-up showers around the area. Not perfect thermometer weather, but a solid Field Day sky.
Looking ahead: there has been some early talk about the possibility of a second Field Day-style outing when the weather is cooler, using the same facilities on a different date. That idea is not fully developed yet. No date, no plan locked in. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or want to help shape it, speak up. Club input is welcome.
All in all, we could not have asked for a better Field Day 2026 experience.
Thanks to everyone who showed up, operated, cooked, hauled gear, and backed the effort. It has been an honor to serve as your 2026 Field Day Chairman.
73,
Art Savage, N4NAK
Field Day Chairman · 2026
Discover Amateur Radio
ARRL Field Day 2026 — Gadsden ARC at Hokes Bluff
Public day is complete. Thanks to everyone who visited and operated. Snapshot of the event flyer and what we ran:
Curious how people stay connected when storms, power outages, or other emergencies knock out traditional communications? Join the Gadsden Amateur Radio Club for ARRL Field Day, an annual event that showcases the capabilities of amateur radio operators and emergency communications while giving the public a chance to get involved.
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
3301 Alford Bend Road
Hokes Bluff, AL 35903
What you'll experience:
- Operate a real amateur radio station
- Learn how amateur radio supports communities during emergencies
- Meet local radio enthusiasts and club members
- Watch live radio demonstrations
- Make contacts across the United States and beyond with the help of licensed operators
No license or experience is needed to participate. Our operators will be on hand to answer questions and help visitors get on the air.
Whether you're interested in technology, emergency preparedness, public service, or just looking for something unique to do, we invite you to stop by and see what amateur radio is all about!
#ARRLFieldDay #FieldDay2026 #GadsdenAmateurRadioClub #K4JMC #HamRadio #AmateurRadio #EmergencyCommunications #EtowahCounty #FreeEvent
What is Field Day?
Field Day is the largest on-air operating event in amateur radio. Clubs deploy stations in the field, simulate emergency operations, and contact as many stations as possible over a 24-hour period.
- Hands-on emergency power, antennas, and message handling
- HF/VHF/UHF phone, CW, and digital modes (FT8/FT4, JS8Call, Winlink)
- Public information booth and Get-On-The-Air (GOTA) station
- Logging, scoring, and bonus points for outreach, media, and safety
Event Snapshot
- When: June 27–28, 2026
- Where: Hokes Bluff Park, Main Pavilion
- Goal: Contacts + training + public outreach ARRL Field Day Rules
2026 Field Day — Event Details
June 27, 2026
Saturday — 1800 UTC Start (K4JMC operates 8 AM – 8 PM CDT)
Hokes Bluff Park
Main Pavilion
24-Hour Operation
HF / VHF / UHF — All Modes
Club hours: 8 AM – 8 PM CDT
Join GARC for the largest on-air event in amateur radio. Setup begins Saturday morning — visitors and new operators welcome! Bring family and friends. ARRL Field Day Rules →
Typical Activities
Operating
Run HF/VHF stations across bands and modes. Rotate ops and loggers for training.
Antennas & RF
Erect portable masts, wire antennas, filters, and manage RFI in multi-station setups.
Power
Generators, solar, battery banks, and safe distribution with proper grounding.
Logging & Score
Networked logging (N3FJP/N1MM), duping control, and bonus points checklist.
GOTA & Outreach
New operators and visitors get on the air with a mentor. Educational handouts.
Safety
Safety officer, tape-offs, fire extinguishers, first-aid, weather monitoring.