Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd.

May 18-20 2012 Dayton Hamvention – Dayton, OH

‘Internationally Connected’ was this year’s theme, and General Chairman Michael Kalter W8CI encouraged us as Amateur Radio Operators that “we have the unique opportunity to communicate and share ideas with friends from all over the globe. Today in a world with so many ways to communicate none can compare to Amateur Radio. As Amateurs we really can make a difference in understanding and celebrating our cultural differences...”

Dayton Hamvention is the world’s largest amateur radio gathering – nearly 25,000 people were in attendance!  Hamvention includes a huge flea market where ham operators can buy, sell and trade radio equipment. For some, it is the only place to find that elusive piece that cannot be found elsewhere.

 FAIRS has operated a booth at the market at Hamvention since 1993. Items are exhibited and sold to generate funds for the Foundation. Popular items include hand-painted Ukrainian eggs, Matryoshka nesting dolls, etc.  The booth is also a place for FAIRS members from around the world to meet and “catch up”. 

FAIRS Directors David KK4WW and Gaynell KK4WWW Larsen and Floyd County RACES Emergency Radio Officer Tom King W4VZH made the trip from Virginia to Ohio for the weekend event.   FAIRS was represented at indoor exhibit booth #412 where FAIRS members, both foreign and domestic, stopped by to say hello and to find out about current events in Floyd, Virginia…beautiful home to FAIRS headquarters.

Alex Cosolapov (VE3VDX – from Barrie, Ontario in Canada) was once again a special guest of FAIRS and it was wonderful to have his assistance and comradery! The group attended the DX dinner on Friday evening and David won a prize this year: a Ten-Tec combined microphone/headset for use with ham radio.

FAIRS made donation at Dayton for their prize pool for hams.

On Saturday morning, the FAIRS group toured the club site of Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA), a very nice facility and their additional construction which is in progress…

FAIRS was thankful to receive, once again, a donation by DARA along with their words of encouragement.  It continues to be a great boost for the foundation to receive this, since the hams of that organization are so active and do wonderful things which are a positive effect around the world.  FAIRS wishes to acknowledge Jerry Miller WD8QAI for his friendship and help each and every year.

Please see our photos from Dayton Hamvention 2012...