The 2008 ARRL Field Day will be here before you know it, so now is the time to grab your rig, hang ten (a dipole or two will do) and Ride the Waves June 28-29. Field Day packets can be downloaded from the ARRL Web site.

ARRL Field Day Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, reminds clubs and groups that the deadline to order exhibit kits is drawing near" "We need to have all orders for kits and brochures no later than Tuesday, June 17. If we have your order by then, we will be able to package your order and get it to you in time for Field Day. Any orders received after June 17 will be fulfilled and may make it to recipients before Field Day," he warned. Exhibit kits can be ordered online at no cost; there is a small shipping and handling fee.

If you are looking for a Field Day site to attend, or are looking to publicize your Field Day site, be sure to check out the Field Day Site Locator. For more information on this new service, please check out the Locator Site Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Web page. "More than 1100 Field Day sites have registered their sites on the Locator, with more being added every day." Henderson said.

What Is Field Day?

ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-the-air operating event in Amateur Radio. On the fourth full weekend in June, tens of thousands of Amateur Radio operators gather for a public demonstration of our service. Field Day is part educational event, part operating event, part public relations event -- and all about fun!

Amateur Radio is about knowledge and growth. It is a hobby and service that truly offers "something for everyone." Amateur Radio embraces both the old and new. While CW may no longer be a testing element, it is still a strong and favorite operating mode for many. Many operators are embracing digital technologies -- from RTTY, to newer digital modes like PSK31 and Olivia. Phone operation also has new frontiers to be explored with digitized voice, VoIP and IRLP. And this is why Field Day -- the largest annual on-the-air operating event -- is so exciting. It gives all -- the old timer and the newcomer, the brass-pounder and the computer-assisted operator -- the chance to share and teach the broad range of modes and technologies we find in Amateur Radio.

Field Day is truly the time in which we bring Amateur Radio to Main Street USA. By setting up in parking lots, malls, Emergency Operations Centers, parks and even at home, Amateur Radio operators learn skills that will allow them to better serve their communities. Setting up in these public venues gives added public relations value -- their friends and neighbors can see and experience the fun and public service capability that their "ham radio" neighbors bring to the community.

Dress the Part

If you want to be one of the best-dressed hams at your Field Day event, be sure to pick up the 2008 ARRL Field Day T shirt, pin and water bottle. Featuring the 2008 slogan "Ride the Waves," these items are a great way to recognize your involvement in this popular, annual operating event. ARRL is also offering Get On The Air (GOTA) pins. Why not have your GOTA station operators wear these attractive pins. Pins from previous Field Days are also available -- be sure to complete your collection. Be sure to order your T shirts now, as they are selling out quickly. Once the current supply is exhausted they will not be reordered.