The Lambton County Radio Club (LCRC) will hold its annual Field Day exercise on June 28 and 29 at Krall Park in Enniskillen Township, near the intersection of Shiloh Line and Oil Heritage Road.
Field Day is a national event where amateur radio operators—also known as “hams”—set up temporary radio stations to demonstrate the science, skill, and public service role of amateur radio. The public is invited to visit the site on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Participants will operate in the 3A category, using three transmitters powered by emergency generators. A “Get On The Air” (GOTA) station will be available for newcomers interested in trying out ham radio for the first time. Operations will use the club’s VE3SAR call sign, with VA3OIL used for the GOTA station. Although the event is not focused on competition, the club will log its contacts and submit them for official Field Day records.
This hands-on event offers more than just a look into radio operation. It highlights ham radio’s unique ability to function entirely independent of internet or cellular infrastructure—an essential tool during emergencies and natural disasters when traditional communication systems fail.
The LCRC is officially included in the emergency communications plans for the Province of Ontario, Lambton County, and the City of Sarnia. Members also volunteer as trained storm spotters for Environment and Climate Change Canada, providing ground-level information during severe weather events.
Beyond its emergency role, Field Day also serves as an educational platform. Amateur radio provides opportunities to explore electronics, physics, meteorology, and wireless technology—making it especially valuable in today’s do-it-yourself tech culture.
LCRC was founded in 1982 and incorporated in 1985 as a Canadian not-for-profit organization. Alongside its operational work, the club promotes experimentation, shortwave listening, and computer science. It also offers licensing courses and regular meetings for those interested in becoming certified radio operators.
More information is available at www.ve3sar.org.