Ham Radio at the 4H Fair: A Weekend of Demos and Discovery
This past Saturday (Sept 6th), our GSARA returned for its second year at the 4H Agricultural Fair in New Boston, turning the fairgrounds into a quick-learning playground for all ages. We kept things hands-on, friendly, and—dare I say—pretty contagious for anyone curious about radios and community service.
What people tried with us
Learn Your Name in Morse Code: Attendees tapped out letters with a helper, feeling the rhythm of Morse. Perfection wasn’t the point—we chased curiosity, and many left with a new ear for the code.
Talk on the Radio: Folks hopped on the local repeater for a quick QSO with a club operator. A friendly hello, a tiny adventure on the airwaves.
WinLink Demo: We showed how emails can land on the air, traveling from laptop to gateway and on to recipients—no internet required.
Quick Q&A: A fast, welcoming chat covered licenses, gear, and how to get started in amateur radio.
Why was it worth it? The goal wasn’t just to show gear but to invite neighbors to imagine how radio can connect us, help during emergencies, and spark STEM curiosity in kids and adults alike.
Who we met and what happened. We welcomed newcomers and longtime hams alike, sharing stories, answering questions, and trading tips in a light, enthusiastic atmosphere. The fair felt a little brighter when someone unlocked the idea that amateur radio could be for them too.
A few highlights
Hands-on moments: Morse tapping, a live on-air QSO, and a look at WinLink drew in visitors and kept the energy high.
Real-time demos: Seeing conversations unfold on the repeater and watching emails travel over radio underscored radio’s practical reach.
Community connection: The event bridged hobbyists with families, students, and curious neighbors.
Greg (K1GMS) walks a young kid through learning his name in CW
What’s next
More outreach: We’re planning additional hands-on sessions and kid-friendly activities to keep the momentum going.
Training and mentorship: If you’re curious about Morse code, operating basics, or WinLink, you’re welcome at our next club meeting.
School and 4H collaboration: We’re exploring more fairs and classroom visits to bring amateur radio into more hands.
Big thanks to all the volunteers who staffed demos, answered questions, and shared their enthusiasm. Your energy made this a win for the community and a banner example of how Amateur Radio can serve others.
