On Friday, August 7, Nittany Amateur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Services volunteers provided communications for the Gatesburg, Pennsylvania bicentennial parade. Gatesburg is a small town in Ferguson Township, Centre County to the southwest of State College.

The parade contained 60 units that proceeded from the west end of town, through the town center, and continued to the east end of town. Commentary about the parade units was made via a public address system at the review stand in the center of town. Five radio communications points were established: staging area, highway access point, review stand, end point, and a roving communicator with the parade marshal. Information was exchanged concerning the order of parade units, parade flow, and any problems with parade elements. There were no emergencies during the parade. The following radio amateurs assisted in the project: K3BOB, Bob; K3CWP, Carmine; K3ERP, Elaine; KA3GBC, Joe; KB3HQN, Don; W3WAB,Wayne; and K3YV.

Again, special thanks to the Centre County EMA Director, Randy Rockey, who gave permission for the use of three handheld radios from the County’s equipment.

Submitted by Woody, K3YV