Submitted News
MANASSAS, Va. — Hundreds of Amateur Radio Operators from across Virginia, Maryland and the DC area will come to Manassas to participate in the 39th Annual Manassas Hamfest, which is being sponsored by the Ole Virginia Hams Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
The Ole Virginia Hams (OVH) Amateur Radio Club, Inc. will sponsor the 39th Annual, American Radio Relay League sanctioned, Manassas Hamfest on June 9 at 7 a.m.
Amateur Radio Operators, also known as “Hams”, from around the National Capital Region will come together to share in tailgating (the buying, selling, and trading of used amateur radio equipment) on the Prince William County Fairgrounds.
A number of special events and forums are also planned during the Hamfest, to include: A youth lounge for the younger Hams to meet; forums on DSTAR, the National Traffic System (NTS), and Amateur Satellite; Fleet Watch; and the Civil Air Patrol HF Truck. The Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club VE Team will be hosting a testing session for people who want to become an FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operator, starting at 8:30 a.m.
While this is a social event for the ham community, we also are trying to increase our operating knowledge and promote Amateur Radio to the general public. This is a good opportunity to investigate this exciting hobby, and learn the many ways we have expanded beyond the “radio of old”.
Amateur radio operators are a valuable asset to the community during times of disaster and other times of communication outages. During the past year, ham radio has been used during the recent severe weather, providing reliable communications when other modes were not available. The local Hams assist local charities and races; providing longer range, seamless communication throughout the courses. Amateur radio operators also provide technological advances which are used for the benefit of the general public.
Amateur radio is seen to have a vital role in our Homeland Security, and its importance has been recognized by both sides of Congress. Come see what all the excitement is about.
