North Florida Amateur Radio Club (NFARC) and Gainesville Amateur Radio Society (GARS) will participate this weekend in the annual National Association for Amateur Radio’s 2025 Field Day, connecting with operators across the country, tracking satellites and teaching how ham radio works.  

Both groups are open for the public to stop by and learn about ham radio and even go live, connecting with one of 31,000 other groups participating. The Summer Field Day has occurred each year since 1933. 

NFARC will set up a station at the Alachua County Emergency Operations Center, 1100 SE 27th St. in Gainesville, and will be available for tours and information on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. GARS will be headquartered at Waldo City Square, 14450 NE 148th Ave., and visitors can stop by Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

“Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes,” NFARC Spokesperson Gordon Gibby said in a press release. “Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source and communicate effectively with others.” 

The Summer Field Day serves as a contest, with amateur radio groups showing off their skills and making as many connections as possible. The challenge for this year involves tracking satellites, including the International Space Station.  

The local groups continue throughout the year, even partnering with emergency responders.  

“These hams aren’t just hobbyists—they’re hometown heroes,” a NFARC press release said. “In 2024, they logged 481 volunteer hours during Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, potentially securing $60,000 in federal funds for Alachua County.”