8thAnnual ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and 48th Annual GCARC HamFest
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Click this link for the New & Improved GCARC HamFest Website
As of September 1, 2026, please go to HamFest.W2MMD.ORG for reservations and maps
2026 HamFest : A Major Club Event Returns This October 11, 2026
By Ron Block NR2B
We are gearing up for our annual HamFest, taking place on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds in Mullica Hill - the same location we proudly call home. As our largest public event and primary fundraiser, HamFest continues to grow in scale, reputation, sophistication, and community impact.
If you wish to volunteer for our HamFest, go to our 2026 HamFest Sign-Up Sheet
Streamlined Vendor Reservations
Last year we introduced a reservation system for the 70 covered exhibition spaces across four pavilions. Vendors were able to pre pay, stop briefly at the Gate, and proceed directly to their reserved location. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive : smoother traffic flow, reduced congestion, and a more professional experience for everyone involved. We are pleased to continue this reservation process for 2026, See HamFest.W2MMD.org
Introducing the Youth Zone
A major new initiative this year focuses on engaging students in grades 6 through 12 with the world of amateur radio. Led by Angela Metzger KE2DRJ, the Youth Zone will offer hands on activities, fun facts, and radio themed games. To encourage young operators, one licensed participant will take home an HT.
Additional Activities
Beyond the Youth Zone, we will host a Special Event Station celebrating our 48th Annual HamFest. The West Deptford BSA Troop 9 will once again provide a nutritious breakfast and lunch for attendees.
In the Classroom, we are pleased to present the following sessions :
ARRL VEC license testing will take place in the Club House between 08:00 and 11:00. Preregistration is required, See VETEAM.W2MMD.ORG.
Behind the Scenes : Volunteer Power
A successful HamFest relies on the coordinated effort of roughly 45 Club volunteers. Preparations begin Saturday evening at 17:00 with classroom and Gate setup, PA system installation, pavilion marking, and layout of more than 100 outdoor tailgate spaces and temporary roadways.
Some covered space vendors arrive overnight and are greeted by our security team, who direct them to their reserved location. By 05:00 Sunday morning, the Gate opens to allow both reserved and first come tailgate vendors to moving in. With more than 100 tailgaters expected, efficient parking within this first hour is essential - and staffing is critical. If you are one of those critical volunteers, please be on time.
Publicity and Outreach
Our event is officially registered with the ARRL as the Southern New Jersey Section Convention, providing national visibility. We will also distribute announcements to Clubs across neighboring ARRL districts and email past attendees from the last five years. This broad outreach helps ensure strong attendance and encourages vendor participation.
Your Role as a Club Member
HamFest is not only our largest undertaking - it’s a reflection of who we are as a Club. We encourage all members to attend, support operations, and help welcome visitors. Gates open to the public at 07:00. Please wear your Club badge, greet vendors and guests, and share any feedback you receive.
If you wish to volunteer for our HamFest, go to our 2026 HamFest Sign-Up Sheet
This is your Club, and your presence makes a difference.
By Ron Block NR2B
We are gearing up for our annual HamFest, taking place on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds in Mullica Hill - the same location we proudly call home. As our largest public event and primary fundraiser, HamFest continues to grow in scale, reputation, sophistication, and community impact.
If you wish to volunteer for our HamFest, go to our 2026 HamFest Sign-Up Sheet
Streamlined Vendor Reservations
Last year we introduced a reservation system for the 70 covered exhibition spaces across four pavilions. Vendors were able to pre pay, stop briefly at the Gate, and proceed directly to their reserved location. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive : smoother traffic flow, reduced congestion, and a more professional experience for everyone involved. We are pleased to continue this reservation process for 2026, See HamFest.W2MMD.org
Introducing the Youth Zone
A major new initiative this year focuses on engaging students in grades 6 through 12 with the world of amateur radio. Led by Angela Metzger KE2DRJ, the Youth Zone will offer hands on activities, fun facts, and radio themed games. To encourage young operators, one licensed participant will take home an HT.
Additional Activities
Beyond the Youth Zone, we will host a Special Event Station celebrating our 48th Annual HamFest. The West Deptford BSA Troop 9 will once again provide a nutritious breakfast and lunch for attendees.
In the Classroom, we are pleased to present the following sessions :
- 09:00 : Doing More with APRS: Applications and Hardware : John Zaruba K2ZA
- 10:00 : Atlantic Division Director’s Report : Marty Newingham AG3I
- 11:00 : Space Comm & Youth : Angela Metzger KE2DRJ
ARRL VEC license testing will take place in the Club House between 08:00 and 11:00. Preregistration is required, See VETEAM.W2MMD.ORG.
Behind the Scenes : Volunteer Power
A successful HamFest relies on the coordinated effort of roughly 45 Club volunteers. Preparations begin Saturday evening at 17:00 with classroom and Gate setup, PA system installation, pavilion marking, and layout of more than 100 outdoor tailgate spaces and temporary roadways.
Some covered space vendors arrive overnight and are greeted by our security team, who direct them to their reserved location. By 05:00 Sunday morning, the Gate opens to allow both reserved and first come tailgate vendors to moving in. With more than 100 tailgaters expected, efficient parking within this first hour is essential - and staffing is critical. If you are one of those critical volunteers, please be on time.
Publicity and Outreach
Our event is officially registered with the ARRL as the Southern New Jersey Section Convention, providing national visibility. We will also distribute announcements to Clubs across neighboring ARRL districts and email past attendees from the last five years. This broad outreach helps ensure strong attendance and encourages vendor participation.
Your Role as a Club Member
HamFest is not only our largest undertaking - it’s a reflection of who we are as a Club. We encourage all members to attend, support operations, and help welcome visitors. Gates open to the public at 07:00. Please wear your Club badge, greet vendors and guests, and share any feedback you receive.
If you wish to volunteer for our HamFest, go to our 2026 HamFest Sign-Up Sheet
This is your Club, and your presence makes a difference.
HamFest Help Desk : 146.460 MHz Simplex
The HamFest will feature a staffed Help Desk on 2M Simplex where attendees can pose questions, relay comments, or request assistance. HamFest management personnel will monitor the channel throughout the day, offering real-time support to visitors and vendors alike.
HamFest Seminars
Presentations will start at 09:00 AM in the Classroom Building, Pavilion B
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09:00 AM : John Zaruba K2ZA
Doing More With APRS : Applications & Hardware |
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10:00 AM : Marty Newingham AG3I
ARRL Atlantic Division Director ARRL Update Annual Summary of ARRL Activities & a Discussion of the Current Issues
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11:00 AM : Angela Metzger KE2DRJ
ARRL SNJ Section Youth Coordinator
Space Communications & Youth Zone Activities |
The VE Exam Session be held at the W2MMD Clubhouse
from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.
from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.
Walk-in license examinations will be available at the W2MMD Clubhouse between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Details on volunteer examiners and testing procedures are online at :
https://veteam.w2mmd.org
https://veteam.w2mmd.org
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HamFest Contact : Ron Block, NR2B
ron <at> wrblock <dot> com
ron <at> wrblock <dot> com
Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds
235 Bridgeton Pike (Route 77), Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
GPS Heading : 39.715572°, -75.211944°
Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds
W2MMD Clubhouse