Upshur County Amateur Radio Groups to Host ARRL Field Day 2026 in Gilmer

GILMER, Texas — The Upshur Area Amateur Radio Club and the Upshur County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) will jointly host “Field Day 2026,” a nationwide amateur radio emergency preparedness exercise sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), on June 27–28 in Gilmer.

The event will begin at noon on Saturday, June 27, and continue for 24 continuous hours until 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. Activities will take place at 9110 FM 1972, Gilmer, TX.

Field Day is the largest annual amateur radio event in the United States and serves as a real-world test of off-grid emergency communications capabilities. During the exercise, amateur radio operators set up temporary radio stations powered independently from the electrical grid and practice maintaining communications under emergency conditions.

The event is designed to prepare operators and to test preparations of operators and equipment to assist during disasters and emergencies when traditional communication systems may be unavailable due to severe weather, power outages, or other emergencies.

Local operators will demonstrate how amateur radio can provide reliable communications using portable equipment, emergency power systems, antennas, and digital communication technologies.

The public is invited to attend free of charge throughout the event. Community members will have the opportunity to observe live radio operations, learn about emergency communications, and discover how to become involved in amateur radio.

Organizers encourage anyone with an interest in technology, emergency preparedness, public service, or communications to stop by and learn more about the hobby and its role in supporting communities during emergencies.

For additional information about Field Day 2026, visit the UAARC website at www.UAARC.club.