An example of a radio set-up from the 1960s along with a telegraph key and amateur radio guide booklet are seen at the 2025 World Amateur Radio Day event at Grand Central Mall. (File photo)

PARKERSBURG – Members of three regional amateur radio clubs will join ham radio operators worldwide for World Amateur Radio Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Fort Boreman Park in Parkersburg.

Every April 18, radio amateurs worldwide take to the airwaves in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day, marking the day in 1925 that the International Amateur Radio Union was formed in Paris.

The WARD event Saturday will involve three regional amateur radio clubs collaborating, along with ham radio operators in 22 countries, with on-air activities and informational materials about becoming a ham operator.

Parkersburg Amateur Radio Klub, Wood County Emergency Communications and Great Bend Radio Group of Meigs County and the American Radio Relay League will be involved and are encouraging the public to attend the WARD event and learn about the hobby of ham radio.

“The Great Bend Radio Group is looking forward to participating this year, for the first time, with the other clubs,” said Beth Edwards, WB3TH. “Our group was recently formed in Meigs County with this vision in mind — to work with other clubs and advance our hobby.”

Multiple portable radio stations and antenna systems will be used at Fort Boreman Park, 1042 Fort Boreman Drive in Parkersburg, to communicate with other hams on the airwaves using single-side band voice communication, Morse code and the latest digital technology modes.

The event is open to the public.