CANCELLED - W1AW/7 Activation in Bellingham, WA

This event has been cancelled due to illness. Sorry! Historical information below.

• Event: Volunteers on the Air W1AW/7 Activation
• Date: April 1, 2023, 1pm-5pm PDT
• Location: Bloedel Donovan Park - Beach Pavilion
• Weather: TBD
• Mood: TBD

As part of the ARRL “Volunteers on the Air” 2023 contest, W1AW, the ARRL headquarters station, is traveling around the country all year! Each state will have two weeklong activations; Washington’s, as W1AW/7, are in March/April and November. We’ll do a small part of the weeklong activation as a group in Bloedel Donovan Park in Bellingham, WA; this will be a public, outdoor event to spread the fun, joy, and nerdvana of ham radio to an unsuspecting public!

We plan to operate 1pm-5pm on 20m, 15m, 10m, 2m, and 70cm, and we welcome members and nonmembers alike to join us for a fun day in the park. Bring kids, weather-appropriate clothing, and more radios!

Press release below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bellingham, WA - Amateur radio operators and enthusiasts will gather on April 1st, 2023 for a special event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), and the chance to operate the W1AW/7 station. The event, which will take place from 1-5pm at Bloedel Donovan Park in Bellingham, is expected to draw participants from across northwestern Washington.

Organized by Narwhal Amateur Radio Society (NARS), the event will feature opportunities to operate the W1AW/7 station, one of only a few special event stations that the ARRL has designated across the country to celebrate its centennial. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and network with fellow enthusiasts, as well as learn about the latest technologies and techniques being used in the field.

“We’re excited to bring together the amateur radio community for this special event,” said Grant Dobbe, NARS Public Information Officer. “Operating W1AW/7 is a unique opportunity for operators to participate in the ARRL’s centennial celebration and be part of amateur radio history. We hope that this event will inspire more people to get involved in the hobby and experience the thrill of communicating with others around the world.”

The event will feature a variety of activities, including:

• Operating the W1AW/7 station and participating in the ARRL’s centennial celebration
• Operating demonstrations showcasing various modes and frequencies
• Networking opportunities with fellow radio operators and clubs

“We’re excited to welcome amateur radio enthusiasts from around the world to this event,” said Dobbe. “Whether you’re an experienced operator or just getting started, there will be something for everyone. We encourage everyone to come out and join us for this historic event.”

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit https://nars.narwhal.be/Bellingham-W1AW7/ or contact Grant Dobbe at press@narwhal.be.