PARROTTSVILLE--The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) will once again sponsor Field Day this weekend.

Local activities will begin at about noon on Saturday and continue 24 hours, ending at about the same time Sunday.

Jim Sipprell, of Jefferson County, who is serving as chair of the event, explained radio operators from surrounding counties would be gathering at Parrott-LaRue-Myers Park in Parrottsville for the event, which is open to the public.

He explained the local event is tied in with similar events held all across the United States and Canada.

"Field Day provides training opportunities with radios using emergency power sources," Sipprell explained.

He said the event gives amateur radio operators the opportunity to test their abilities with a contest. He explained operators would see which radio operator could communicate with the largest number of different locations in a set amount of time.

"This is also a time to make the public aware of amateur radio and its purpose," he said. "The event is open to the public and we encourage everyone to come by and visit with us."

He said those who would like to learn more about amateur radio can get additional information at Field Day and have questions answered by radio operators.

Sipprell said he has been a HAM operator for 55 years.

He explained when there is a disaster and public airways go down, HAM radios can still operate without functioning utilities. He explained HAM radios operate by generators and battery power.

In addition, Sipprell noted most counties have an emergency coordinator (EC) to organize HAM radio communication in the event of a natural disaster. He said in Cocke County the EC is Velma Wills.

Field Day will also include Morse code demonstrations and demonstrations of digital communications, particularly the PSK31.

For additional information about amateur radio or Field Day, visit www.ARRL.org.