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The Keuka Lake Amateur Radio Association hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including club meetings, on-air nets, hamfests, training sessions, and public service activities. Our events are designed to support learning, fellowship, and active participation in amateur radio. Whether you are a new ham or a seasoned operator, all are welcome to join us and get involved. For more information or questions about KLARA activities email our Activities Coordinator Tom (KB2TDH): activities@klara.us
UP-COMING EVENTS
UP-COMING EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
2026 KLARA
HAMFEST
@ Howard NY
2026 KLARA
HAMFEST
@ Howard NY
2026 ARRL FIELD DAY
2026 ARRL FIELD DAY
📅 June 27–28, 2026
🕑 Starting Saturday at 2:00 PM
📍 Hees Park:
~32 River Street, Avoca, NY 14809
📅 June 27–28, 2026
🕑 Starting Saturday at 2:00 PM
📍 Hees Park:
~32 River Street, Avoca, NY 14809
Each June, more than 31,000 Amateur Radio operators (also called "hams") across North America set up temporary radio stations in parks, fields, and public spaces. This nationwide event demonstrates how Amateur Radio provides emergency communications, public service, and worldwide connections — even when traditional systems fail.
🎙️ Try It Yourself — Get On The Air!
We welcome the public to stop by, ask questions, and even try making a radio contact yourself at our "Get On The Air" station. No license or experience required — we’ll help you every step of the way! Come see how it all works — and maybe discover your next hobby!
FREE • Family Friendly • Open to the Public
For more information, just stop by during the event — we'd love to meet you!
2026 ARRL Field Day
Connecting Communities When It Matters Most
2026 Simplex Challenge
2026 Simplex Challenge
2026 KLARA Simplex Challenge – May 9th!
The Keuka Lake Amateur Radio Association is pleased to announce the return of our annual Simplex Challenge — a fun, fast-paced operating event designed to sharpen your skills and get you on the air!
📅 Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026 Logs Submitted by June 10th, 2026
🕛 Time: Noon – 4:00 PM (local time)
📡 Mode: 2M & 6M FM & SSB Phone > Simplex only
🔋 Power Limit: 50 watts
What’s the Purpose?
What’s the Purpose?
The KLARA Simplex Challenge is designed to:
Teach contest basics
Give new operators a chance to "exercise" their equipment
Provide an enjoyable springtime club activity
This is a fun contest. Good operating practices and good sportsmanship are part of the challenge
Why Simplex?
Why Simplex?
Simplex operation builds:
Real-world operating skills
Understanding of terrain and coverage
Practical emergency communications capability
Confidence in your station setup
This is a great opportunity to test antennas, mobile setups, portable operations, and propagation — all while having fun with fellow hams.
2026 GROUNDHOG HAMFEST
2026 GROUNDHOG HAMFEST
We’re excited to announce the Groundhog Day Hamfest 2026, sponsored by the Keuka Lake Amateur Radio Association (KLARA)! This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow hams, explore equipment, and enjoy a fun day celebrating amateur radio.
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Location: Almond, NY Municipal Building – 1 Marvin Lane, Almond, NY 14804
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uo5cPPs6zJ3HjHNu8Times: Doors open at 8 AM | Vendor Setup 7 AM | VE Testing at 10 AM
Highlights:
FREE admission for vendors and the public
Tables, chairs, and power available
Meet fellow ham operators, trade gear, and share knowledge
Directions: Take Exit 33 off I-86, follow signs toward Alfred – the building is 1 mile from the exit on the right.
We hope to see you there! Let’s make this hamfest a fun and memorable event.
WINTER FIELD DAY January 24-25 2026
WINTER FIELD DAY January 24-25 2026
Location: Steuben County Civil Defense Center, Bath, NY
2026 STATS:
Category 5I WNY
We had over 200 SSB contracts and
over 250 CW contacts
Canisteo-Greenwood Central School Amateur Radio Club with Advisor Chris Romanchuck KD2PFE
KLARA Supports School Club
KLARA Supports School Club
The KLARA Amateur Radio Club is proud to support the next generation of radio operators through its recent donation of CW key sets to the Canisteo-Greenwood Central School Amateur Radio Club. Students, under the guidance of Mr. Chris Romanchuck (KD2PFE), have been actively learning Morse code and now have hands-on access to DUO-style magnetic dual-paddle keys that offer precise, sensitive CW operation in a compact form.
These modern keys feature 3.5mm and USB-C connectivity, allowing direct plug-and-play use with computers, Android devices, and transceivers, often without the need for special drivers.
The students are integrating their practice with software such as VBand, enhancing both their training and real-time communication skills. Platforms like VBand provide a unique experience—similar to a chat room—where participants communicate using CW rather than voice or text. This is especially valuable for students who may not yet have access to RF equipment, as it allows them to get on the “air,” build confidence, and develop real operating skills using only a computer or mobile device, offering a safe, accessible environment to practice, make contacts, and stay engaged in amateur radio learning.
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