BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Bristol Amateur Radio Club (BARC) hosted the first day of its annual Field Day Saturday at White Top Creek Park.

In various parks, fields, and backyards, a multitude of radio enthusiasts, fondly referred to as “hams,” congregated with their clubs to demonstrate the art, science, and community service aspects of ham radio.

Dwayne Hodson, the president of BARC, emphasized the importance of these skills, particularly during events when traditional communication channels are disrupted, such as during Hurricane Helene nine months ago.

“During power outages and natural disasters like Hurricane Helene last September, ham radios were invaluable,” Hodson remarked. “In North Carolina, when cell phones failed, a ham radio operator set up his equipment and made over 6,000 contacts, significantly aiding in rescue efforts and saving many lives.”

People of all ages attended the event, including a two-year-old who represented his family’s tradition of passing down ham radio skills through generations.

Those interested in learning how to be an amateur radio operator can reach out to Hodson at 520-780-8083 or visit the club’s Facebook page.