Supporting Parades, Festivals, and Public Events Through Ham Radio Community events thrive when people come together, and behind the scenes, reliable communication keeps everything running smoothly. The CARS amateur radio club has become a trusted partner in local parades, festivals, and public gatherings—including the popular Jiggy with the Piggy Festival—by providing skilled radio operators who ensure safety, coordination, and seamless event management.
A Visible Presence at Local Parades Parades may look effortless from the sidewalk, but coordinating dozens of floats, marching groups, vehicles, and volunteers requires constant communication. CARS members step in each year to support local parades by:
Staffing key positions along the parade route
Relaying real time updates between staging areas, organizers, and public safety officials
Monitoring crowd flow and safety concerns
Assisting with lineup management and timing
Using handheld radios and portable antennas, operators maintain clear communication even in areas where cell service becomes overloaded. Their presence ensures that parade organizers can respond quickly to delays, medical needs, or unexpected issues—keeping the event enjoyable and safe for everyone.
Jiggy with the Piggy: More Than a Festival The Jiggy with the Piggy Festival is one of the region’s most anticipated events, drawing thousands of visitors for barbecue competitions, live entertainment, and family activities. With crowds this large, dependable communication is essential. CARS volunteers play a vital role by:
Supporting event logistics across multiple venues
Coordinating parking and shuttle operations
Providing communication links for festival staff
Assisting with lost and found or public safety needs
Ham radio shines in this environment. Even when cellular networks slow under heavy use, amateur radio operators maintain steady, interference free communication. Their ability to deploy portable stations, operate off grid, and adapt quickly makes them invaluable partners during large scale events.
Ham Radio as a Public Service Tool While many people associate amateur radio with hobbyists chatting across the airwaves, CARS demonstrates how powerful the service can be in real world community support. At parades and festivals, operators:
Use VHF/UHF repeaters to maintain wide area coverage
Deploy portable antennas when needed for better signal reach
Operate net control stations to coordinate volunteers
Log incidents and relay information with precision and clarity
These events also serve as excellent outreach opportunities. Curious visitors often stop by to ask about the equipment, the frequencies, or how to get licensed. CARS members are always ready to share their passion and encourage newcomers to explore the world of amateur radio. Building Stronger Community Partnerships CARS’ involvement in public events has strengthened relationships with:
Local government
Emergency services
Parks and recreation departments
Event organizers and civic groups
These partnerships highlight the reliability and professionalism of amateur radio operators. Over time, CARS has become a go to resource for communication support, trusted to help ensure that events run smoothly and safely.
More Than a Hobby—A Service Whether guiding a parade down Main Street or helping coordinate a bustling festival crowd, CARS volunteers demonstrate the true spirit of amateur radio: service, skill, and community engagement. Their presence at events like Jiggy with the Piggy showcases how ham radio remains relevant, resilient, and essential in today’s world. As the club continues to grow and expand its capabilities, one thing is certain—CARS will remain a proud and active part of the community, ready to support the next parade, festival, or celebration with radios in hand and service in mind.
