Special to the Herald
From relaying emergency messages during hurricanes to chatting with operators across the globe, amateur radio operators—often called “hams”—will showcase their skills and vital role in public safety during an ARRL Field Day event set for June 28–29.
The public is invited to attend and experience firsthand how amateur radio remains a powerful communication tool in the digital age.
Gov. Tate Reeves has officially proclaimed the week of June 23–29 as Amateur Radio Week in Mississippi. To mark the occasion, the George and Greene County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) group is hosting a free, hands-on public open house with food, drinks, and live demonstrations of ham radio operations.
“With more than 4,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the state of Mississippi, who have demonstrated their invaluable public assistance by providing emergency radio communications; and these amateur radio operators donate their services free of charge to their communities; and the amateur radio operators are alert and prepared for any emergency, local or worldwide… the American Radio Relay League’s Field Day, June 28 and 29, 2025, provides amateur radio operators the opportunity to practice their communication skills and test their preparedness,” Governor Reeves said in his proclamation.
The ARRL Field Day event will be held at 130 Beaver Dam Road in Lucedale, at the old American Legion building across from the city park. Activities will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, and include:
• license testing
• an antenna-building class
• on-air demonstrations
• lunch and dinner service
• emergency preparedness resources
For more information, visit www.arrl.org/FieldDay or contact the Ham Radio Hotline at (601)530-0055 or via email at [email protected].
ARRL Field Day is a popular on-the-air event held annually. It brings together thousands of amateur radio operators to practice emergency response and promote community awareness of amateur radio’s capabilities.
