Monroe County Hamfest 2024

The Bloomington Amateur Radio Club (BARC), in collaboration with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), is excited to announce the Monroe County Hamfest! This event is a fantastic opportunity for amateur radio enthusiasts, both seasoned and new, to gather, share knowledge, and enjoy a day dedicated to all things ham radio.

Event Details:

• Date: June 8, 2024
• Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Location: Community Building, Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 W. Airport Rd., Bloomington, IN 47401
• Sponsor: Bloomington Amateur Radio Club (BARC), K9IU
• Type: ARRL Hamfest
• Talk-In Frequency: 146.640 MHz (negative offset, PL 136.5 Hz)

Activities and Highlights:

• Raffle and Silent Auction: Enter to win exciting prizes and bid on unique items. All proceeds benefit BARC.
• Food Truck: Enjoy delicious food and refreshments available on-site (note: BARC does not earn revenue from the food truck).
• License Testing: Advance reservation required. Get your amateur radio license or upgrade your current one. For more information, contact Tom Henderson at W9YW@arrl.net.
• Fox Hunt: Participate in a fun and challenging fox hunt. Rain or shine, the hunt will go on!

Volunteer Opportunities:

BARC is seeking volunteers to help with setup and teardown of the event. Your assistance ensures a smooth and successful hamfest for everyone.

Club Background:

Established in 1967, BARC serves the Bloomington and Monroe County area, providing vital communication support during emergencies and local events. The club is actively involved in:

• Emergency Preparedness: Collaborating with local authorities to ensure readiness in times of need.
• Weather Spotting: Working with the National Weather Service to provide real-time weather observations.
• Community Engagement: Supporting events like the Indiana Science Olympiad and the Hilly Hundred Bicycle Ride.
• Educational Outreach: Teaching amateur radio to kids at WonderLab and participating in Field Day and other contests.

Whether you're new to amateur radio, an experienced operator, or just curious about the hobby, BARC welcomes you to join their friendly and dedicated community. Connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experts, and become part of a vital communication network in Monroe County.

Contact Information:

• Public Contact: Tom Henderson, W9YW
• Phone: 317-250-4646
• Email: W9YW@arrl.net
• Website: Bloomington Amateur Radio Club

Mark your calendars for June 8, 2024, and join us at the Monroe County Hamfest. It’s an event you won’t want to miss! See you there!