On October 19th, 2024, members of the Iola Amateur Radio Club (IARC) participated Farm City Days event in Iola, KS. Members Steve Green, KD0JLE, Gale Jeffers, KD0GHA, and Doug Thomas, KC5VKG arrived around 7:00am to set up the information booth located on the southeast corner of the town square. Jeremy Utley, NQ0M, arrived a little later to drop off his digital station for use during the event (Jeremy had a prior commitment that regrettably prevented him from operating during the event).
Setup was completed well before the 8:00am start time and consisted of tables to display IARC, ARRL, and amateur radio information, including a video display of various amateur radio related videos. Also set up for demonstration was an FT8 digital station set up by Jeremy, and a station for HF voice set up by Gale. Unfortunately, due to matching issues between the radio and antenna system, the voice station was unable to be used for transmitting but remained on for reception. Club members Dale Roberts, KA4RBR, Bruce Symes who brought some much-appreciated operator fuel in the form of donuts, and Chase Riebel, KF0GFE, arrived throughout the day.
The weather cooperated well with only a slight wind with minor gusts to deal with. Due to the wind, an issue arose with one of the displays constantly falling over, but in true amateur radio fashion, a solution was devised, implemented, and the problem solved.
Several individuals stopped by to talk about amateur radio and gather information, and hopes are that this will result in some new interest in the amateur radio service.
The FT8 digital station was set up as the club call WI0LA on 10 meters, a band that has seen increased activity recently and was operated sporadically during the day as Steve, Gale, and Doug were busy meeting with visitors and manning the booth. In all, 28 contacts were made with the majority being domestic contacts with a few DX contacts from France (x2), Italy, England, Netherlands, `and the Czech Republic.
Shortly before the end of the event at 4:00pm, Steve, Gale, and Doug began tear-down of the site and called it a day. All involved considered it a good day and a good event for outreach to the community and would keep the option open to attend again next year.
Thanks to Steve, Gale and Doug for their work through the entire event and thanks to Jeremy for the use of his digital station for the event.