The New Holland Community Memorial Park is a center of attention during the warmer months. The park, located in the 400 block of Jackson Street in New Holland, attracts members of the community who use the pool, tennis and pickleball courts, golf course, and playground equipment.

According to Ralph Hess, president of the Red Rose Repeater Association (RRR), the amount of foot traffic through the park on a summer weekend makes it an ideal location for the 92nd Summer Field Day, officially known as Amateur Radio Field Day. "It's a family day for everybody," noted Hess, adding that there will be a craft show in the park on the first day of the event. "(Some family members) can go to the craft show," he pointed out.

Summer Field Day is a more than 24-hour event that gives hams - as amateur radio operators are known - a chance to demonstrate radio's ability to create reliable communications independent of commercial networks from almost anywhere. This year's field day will be held on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, with activities beginning at 8 a.m. on June 28 and continuing through 2 p.m. on June 29. Since 1933, amateur radio operators across North America have established temporary radio stations in public locations during field day to showcase the science and skill of amateur radio. As in the past, the hobby invites interested persons to experiment with electronics and communications techniques. Hams also provide a free public service to communities during a disaster or emergency - all without needing a cellphone or the internet.

Hess noted that those who are interested in learning about antennae setup will want to be at the park early on June 28. "If people want to see how to set up antennas and stations, they should come from 8 to noon," said Hess. "This is the best chance in a year to see ham radio operation up close and in person and how it works from beginner to expert level," said Hess. "All facets of the hobby are on display, and it's not 12 degrees out," he added, referencing the Winter Field Day held at the end of January each year. Field days are events organized by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). "ARRL is the governing body," explained Hess.

The number of hams in the nation has grown significantly in the last five years, as the hobby has changed and costs to become involved have been lowered, attracting people of all ages.

For more information about field day or amateur radio, visit http://www.w3rrr.org or visit http://www.arrl.org.