ARRL Field Day

Our biggest on-the-air event of the year — and the public is welcome to come see it.

Franklin County ARES 'Radio Communications' banner set up at the Field Day site

W1FCA at Field Day 2026

Franklin County ARES takes part in ARRL Field Day every year, and 2026 is no exception. This year we'll again set up in a field adjacent to the New Sharon Fire Department — the same spot we operated from last year.

What: ARRL Field Day — portable amateur radio operating event
When: June 27–28, 2026 (the fourth full weekend of June)
Where: A field next to the New Sharon Fire Department, New Sharon, ME
Cost: Free — visitors welcome

Come visit us. Field Day is a great way to see amateur radio in action, meet local operators, and learn what it takes to communicate when the normal systems are down. Stop by the site, ask questions, and even get on the air with us. Whether you're a licensed operator or just curious, you're welcome.

Amateur radio operations set up on the porch of the Franklin County Courthouse during a past Field Day — Radio operations set up on the porch at the county courthouse during a past Field Day event. (Photo: Franklin County ARES)

What is Field Day?

ARRL Field Day is the largest amateur radio operating event in North America — more than 30,000 operators take part across the United States and Canada each year. It runs on the fourth full weekend of June, beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing around the clock for 24 hours.

It's three things at once:

An emergency-communications exercise. Groups set up temporary stations that run without commercial power — on generators, batteries, and solar — to prove they can get on the air when the grid and other infrastructure fail. That's exactly the readiness ARES exists for.
An operating event. Stations across the continent try to make as many contacts as possible, exercising equipment, antennas, and operators under real field conditions.
Public outreach. Field Day sites are open to visitors, making it the best weekend of the year to introduce amateur radio to the community and to served-agency partners.

For us, Field Day is the year's biggest test of our go-kits, antennas, and teamwork — the skills we'd rely on during an actual activation in support of the Franklin County EMA.

Want to take part?

You don't need any experience to come watch and learn, and licensed amateurs are always welcome to operate. See the Join page to get involved with the group, or contact us with any questions. We'll also announce Field Day details on our nightly net as the weekend approaches.

Franklin County ARES has been featured in the Daily Bulldog's coverage of past Field Day events. More photos from our operations can be added here over time.