The club had been looking forward to participating in the annual International Field Event since we finished last year’s event. This one event is the biggest single day for Hams throughout North America and is a great opportunity to practice our hand in emergency like conditions. This year the White Rock Club tried a new location – the grassy area next to the butterfly park in Centennial Park. We chose this area as it was within the boundaries of the city, was close to our reception centre, provided easy access and good visibility to the public.

Our day began with some members arriving on-site at 9:45, we quickly scouted out the area and decided where we would stretch out the random length dipole antenna and setup our operating station.  That went quickly and soon the members were hauling equipment to the various locations. Though the weather was pleasant we were under threat of rain so we quickly set up our day tent and made ourselves ready for any rain which fortunately never came.  While the tent and tables were being prepared, a second team was busy stretching out the antenna and erecting the centre mast.  Soon that was in place and we spent some time tweaking the alignment of the mast and tension on the dipole wires. Ralph attached his tuner and cables to the antenna and hooked up his radio.