PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
WINTER FIELD DAY … Alan Andres, KD8ZBS of Farmer and member of the Williams County Amateur Radio Association, talks to another ham operator during the radio Winter Field Day while Lucas Leonard (standing), KF8DEY, sees how it’s done.
PRESS RELEASE – Members of the Williams County Amateur Radio Association were put to the test Saturday (Jan. 24, 2026) for the annual Winter Field Day.
When the pathway to their planned operating location was destined to be covered with drifting snow, they quickly moved to club President Stan DeGroff’s ham shack/garage near Stryker.
It was warm inside as the temps outside varied between the low teens to single digits.
A dedicated crew showed up with their portable radios and used only backup power to make contacts during the day as they practiced working different frequency bands just as they would do if responding to an emergency.
That’s what Winter Field Day, held by the Winter Field Day Association, is designed to do. The Winter Field Day Association passionately believes that ham radio operators should practice portable emergency communications in winter environments, as the potential for freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other hazards present unique operational concerns.
While all of that can be very serious, Winter Field Day is also designed for ham radio operators to get out during the winter and have some fun together.
Members brought plenty of good food to share while they were operating to make it even better.
During the field day, the members also took time to share their knowledge with each other and answer questions for newer operators, known as Elmers, to be helpful mentors.
Congratulations went to newer member Lucas Leonard of Bryan who made his first high frequency contact during the day.
The Williams County Amateur Radio Association is an affiliated club of ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio, and volunteers its communication services at no charge to government and local organizations.