Many locals and visitors crowd the sidewalks and streets of downtown Floyd on parade days. With all the anticipation of the creative float and unique vehicles we may not notice local Ham Operators around who are assisting local law enforcement for the day.

Hams are located at eight different locations along the parade route including: Floyd County High School, Mabry’s Funeral Home, South Locust Street, the stoplight, the Dispatcher’s Office, the Village Green, Circle K, and Wood’s Funeral Home. At each location a licensed amateur radio operator is stationed with a portable hand held radio, and possibly an unlicensed individual. Unlicensed individuals receive the opportunity to assist the licensed operator and learn the ropes. Mark Ward KK4TAH was stationed at the dispatcher’s office in the courthouse as the Net Controller. Net Controllers call each party to update the status on their section of the parade route.

The ultimate goal of Hams that day is to create a network of communication allowing the parade to run as smoothly as possible. While the Veteran’s Parade ran flawlessly the Christmas Parade required more assistance from Ham operators. For example a car in the parade stalled causing a back-up. The Ham operators were able to communicate the problem efficiently across the whole parade route.

Thank you to all the Ham operators and local law enforcement officers who helped make both parades operate smoothly.