Fannin County, Texas -- Fannin County Amateur Radio Club participated in the Winter Field Day Association Exercise January 28 & 29, 2023. We gathered at the Lake Bonham Pavilion to set up three different antennas for three different radios to make contacts as far as we could. We got several regions in the US and Canada. Final results are awaiting confirmation.
Winter Field Day is an opportunity for testing emergency preparedness, operating under conditions that may be abnormal. The FCARC does many events to test antennas, alternative power supplies, and other things that can affect communication under less than optimal conditions. This event let us find technical issues and fix them ‘in the field’ to make the event work. Those tests also let us operate in the field for events, such as supporting the Autumn in Bonham Bike Rally. When weather conditions are such for storms or tornadoes, the FCARC is in contact with the National Weather Service, updating them of the conditions on the ground in Fannin County and surrounding areas.
We also held the Second Chili Cookoff, with some excellent offerings. Chili from mild to spicy along with soups were tasted by the judges.
The trophies went to Ruth Brown, in first place, and Mark Hetherington for second. A lot of fun for everyone and tasty food to enjoy. Many thanks to Bob and DeeDee Yakel, Jeff Jones, Regina and Dennis Troutz for judging the entries.