FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Radio Relay League’s Illinois State convention and Peoria Superfest combine to form down state’s largest ham radio convention.
Thousands will come to Peoria SEPTEMBER 22-23, 2012
(Peoria, IL September 1, 2012) Ham Radio and computer and electronics enthusiasts from several Midwestern states will converge on Exposition Gardens Fairgrounds in Peoria for downstate Illinois’ largest “HAMFEST” on September 22-23, 2012. Called “Peoria SUPERFEST” and sponsored by the Peoria-Area Amateur Radio Club, the Annual “SUPERFEST” has an outdoor open-air Flea Market that begins at 6 AM Saturday, September 22, and runs through 2 PM Sunday, September 23. The flea market will host private sellers with a wide assortment of almost anything electronic. The “SUPERFEST” attracts not only FCC licensed “hams” (Amateur Radio Operators) but also hundreds of others interested in electronics and communications.
This year, the Peoria Superfest will host the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Illinois State convention. Speakers from the ARRL national headquarters in Newington, CT as well as Dick Isely, W9GIG and Kermit Carlson W9XA, ARRL Central Division will be on hand to discuss the state of Amateur Radio today and answer questions pertaining to a variety of related topics.
On Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM there will be a variety of radio related informational forums including speakers from the ARRL on emergency communications and electromagnetic interference. Additionally, weather forecasting technology, severe weather spotting technology, scanner listening and D-Star Digital transmissions will also
be discussed. Also, author, Lisa Spahr, will discuss her book entitled “World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion”.
On Sunday, September 23 a high altitude balloon will be launched from Exposition Gardens at approximately 10:00AM. The balloon will contain a variety of ham radio equipment, including a high altitude GPS, Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) for tracking the balloon, a UHF simplex repeater and a 40 meter CW beacon. High definition still and video cameras will be part of the payload.
Examinations for FCC ham licenses will be conducted on Saturday, September 22, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Information on how to become a Ham Radio Operator and on the next Ham Radio class will also be available.
Additionally, at 8 AM on Saturday and Sunday, dozens of commercial indoor exhibits will open and offer new and used radio, computer equipment, peripherals, software and electronic components.
All events are open to the public. Children under 12 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Advance tickets, good for the weekend, at $6 each are available from local radio club members, and at Electronics Diversified at 100 Walnut Street, Peoria; Stewart Radio at 905 East Washington, East Peoria and East Peoria Jewelry and Trade at 213 East Washington, East Peoria. Tickets at the gate will be $8.
For more information contact: John Coker (309) 369-7428 or Fritz Bock (309) 256-2297