Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society
News
MARS Works the Switchyard
November 2, 2019
This year’s Festival at the Switchyard saw a good number of interested fans visit our booth to learn about amateur radio.
Liz Brown, K5EMB, Dave Lichtenwalter, N2DL, Ron Reeves, NN5R, and Tom Yenny, K5LOL, joined event organizer Steve Darrah, KD5YPB, in the early AM to set up the booth. Mike Brown, W5MDB, produced a slide show highlighting key activities of the ham hobby.
As in years past, the “Kid Code Key” was a hit with youngsters. A rough count revealed over 150 potential hams tried their “fists.” Liz mentioned that some were repeats from last year who made a point to visit us again. Kevin Grantham, N5KRG, David Lewis, AC5DL, James Jernigan, KG5WVL, and Ken Wendel, W5RPS, all took a turn explaining the intricacies of Morse code. A special thanks goes to James for returning later in the evening to help wrap the booth.
This year we enjoyed a special visit by our North Texas Section Youth Coordinator, Katherine Forson, KT5KMF. Katherine worked the Kid Code Key table, encouraging our visitors to check out amateur radio. Thanks go to “Drivers” Pat and Bob Forson, K5WFR, for Katherine’s transportation.
Andy Parcel, KE5KOF, as a member of Carrollton’s Citizen Patrol, provided support from the off-premises HQ.
Steve thanked all who volunteered to work the event. This is our best opportunity to show off amateur radio to the public. Planning for next year’s booth starts now. Contact Steve for your best ideas about how to promote ham radio. Meanwhile, check out the gallery below.