By Bill, VA3IEN

We were blessed with fantastic weather for OARC Radio in the Park (RITP) 2026! By early afternoon it was shirt-sleeve temperatures. Such a great turnout; ten hams operating, at least half a dozen hams stopping by to chat, and at least the same number of members of the public who visited for demos and some explanation of Amateur Radio. This was a highlight – for me at least – the recognizable increase in the engagement of the public over last year. People seemed genuinely curious, and it seemed more than a polite curiosity.

Norm, VE3NPP, did a presentation of Winlink using VARA HF; he successfully sent 8 outgoing emails and received a number of emails. Norman, as usual, was well prepared with gear and a comfortable setup to welcome visitors.

Dave, VA3OOC, demo’d his satellite gear.

Dave, VE3ZZU, and Arthur, VY2BIT, did some HF with their Icom 705’s; Dave with a loop antenna and Arthur with a twenty-five foot telescopic vertical. Also nearby was Norm, VE3LC, with his 705; a popular radio!

I myself focused on VHF/UHF, what a ham – novice or otherwise – can do on those bands (e.g public service events, nets), and how to inexpensively get into the hobby. L-R; visitor Ruslan, and hams Kelly, VA3TUE; Dave, VA300C; Andrew, VA3ADX; and Bill, VA3IEN.