ARRL Field Day 2023

Field Day is ham radio's open house. Every June, more than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio.

This year the Lakeshore Amateur Radio Service Club, Inc set up numerous stations at our clubhouse in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  In addition to three stations outside the clubhouse, we had our station inside operating.  This year was significant because our station in the clubhouse was purchased from a generous grant from The West Foundation.   

During Field Day, we also had the Manitowoc County Mobile Command Post on-site.  This is a new vehicle recently obtained by Manitowoc County Emergency Management .  The public was very excited about the opportunity to tour and see the vehicle up close.  We were honored to host the vehicle at our annual 2023 Field Day.  

Club members worked throughout the day to make contacts with stations throughout the United States.  We knew that our location wasn't perfect for radio communications, and better for public relations.  However, we did manage to make 39 contacts throughout the day.  Dave Jaeger, WN9Q made 32 contacts via CW (Morse Code) and was the clear leader in the club on Field Day.  

As mentioned, we knew our location wasn't ideal for radio contacts, but we did have a lot of visitors at our site in Citizen Park.  Most notably, Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels visited and enjoyed a tour of the clubhouse.  We are thankful to the Mayor's office for helping to provide internet service to our Radio Room.  NBC26 sent their Neighborhood Reporter, Preston Stober, to do a piece on our club.  The spot was aired on NBC26 on Saturday, and Sunday, and we were very happy to recieve the air time.  

If you missed our 2023 Field Day event, and wish more information on amateur radio or the Lakeshore Amateur Radio Service Club, please feel free to reach out to any club officer.