Since the first ARRL Field Day in 1933, radio amateurs throughout the United States have practiced the rapid deployment of radio communications equipment in environments ranging from operations under tents in remote areas to operations inside Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). Operations using emergency and alternative power sources are highly encouraged, since electricity and other public infrastructures are often among the first to fail during a natural disaster or severe weather.

To determine the effectiveness of the exercise and of each participant's operations, there is an integrated contesting component, and many clubs also engage in concurrent leisure activities (camping out, cookouts, etc.). Operations typically last a continuous twenty-four hours, requiring scheduled relief operators to keep stations on the air. Additional contest points are awarded for experimenting with unusual modes, making contacts via satellite, and involving youth in the activity.

Field Day with the LaGrange Amateur Radio Club is a big event. While the developing fellowship among the club members is by far the most part of Field Day, we do partipate in the Field Day contest. This year we hope to setup a six station operating site, with all associated antennas and transceivers.

The Field Day site is at the Grayson's Landing Community Center off Grayson Trail in the north part of Troup County. The location is an excellent site with air conditioning, a bathroom, running water, and tables. Parking is good, and there is plenty of room for both operating and socializing.

The address of the Field Day site is 319 Grayson Trail, Hogansville, GA

To find the Field Day site, drive north on Franklin Road (US27). Approximately 3.0 miles north of traffic light at Wares Crossroads, make a left turn on to River Run Drive. Drive 0.75 miles to the first right turn at Grayson Trail. Turn right, and drive 2/3 of a mile to the intersection with Chattahoochee Drive. Be aware that Grayson Trail makes a hard left turn at the bottom of the first hill. The Community Center is maybe 200 feet pass this intersection on the left hand side. Parking is limited by the Center. A better place to park is to make a left turn onto Chattahoochee Drive, drive about 100 feet, and then turn right up a slight hill on to a large parking area.

The high point of the event is the annual Field Day dinner starting at about 5 PM, and lasting until everyone is full. There is more food and soft drinks then anyone can handle, including BBQ, chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers. The dinner is open to all comers including hams and family, as well as local community leaders. Prospective new hams, and those just interested, are invited to our fellowship

The activities begin on Friday morning with the raising of the antennas into the trees surrounding the Center.

The actual contesting begins at 1800 UTC (2 PM) on Saturday, and ends at 1800 UTC on Sunday. The dinner actually begins around 6 PM, and most operators take a break from the contest to enjoy the food and the fellowship. Most people go home after dark to sleep in their beds, but several people camp out in the yard around the operating site and continue to operate all night. Each club member is free to operate and much or as little as they wish. The important thing is to have fun. Any club member can operate any transmitter regardless of their license class, or whether or not they even have a ham license. This way all can try their hand at operating in the contest

The next Field Day will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 2 PM