January – Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is the largest fishing contest held in the USA and possibly in the world. Prizes amount to over $100,000. As the event grew in size over the years, it became clear that a method of providing good communications to all areas of activity was needed badly. Consequently the BAARC volunteered its services and has provided excellent communications for the past four years.
February – Mid-Minnesota 150 Sled Dog Race. BAARC has provided radio communications for the Mid-Minnesota 150 Sled Dog Race since 2007. About 25 radio operators are regularly needed to cover all points of the race and act as Net Control. The Club continues to serve this need well and the race is a favorite event for many Club members.
April – BAARC Hamfest Flyer 2024
April – Marathon
May – Club Summer Dinner. In the past, it was called the “Snowbird Dinner.” It brought together year round and summer hams. This past four years or more the dinner has been held at the Holiday Inn in Brainerd. Every dinner has an after dinner speaker. See summer dinner.
June – Paul Bunyan Bicycle Tour of the Lakes. Yearly the 75-mile route of the race and several rest stops along with nearly 2000 participants represents a major challenge in organization that needs good communications. CB radios and cell phones were not up to the job and the club was asked to help. Again, the BAARC has provided the much needed communications for the past 4 years.
June – Field Day and Field Day Antenna Contest. Hams across the country sharpen their skills at operating under field/emergency conditions with fun for everyone. More Details.
Summer – SKYWARN Operations for Crow Wing County. The Club has served to provide emergency communications in time of bad weather, when there is a threat to the area. BAARC members have coordinated effort with the county Emergency Management Office for many years.
August – Fox Hunt and Summer Picnic. The Brainerd Area Amateur Radio club traditionally holds a Fox Hunt in conjunction with a Picnic in Baxter. Details
October – Haunted Trail. The“Haunted Trail” is the largest annual fund-raising event for the Brainerd Northland Arboretum. The BAARC membership began working this event in 2015, and not only is it a LOT of fun for Club operators, but our efforts greatly enhance safety and operations during the 2-night period. Attendance can exceed 2000 per evening.
Numerous other activities. BAARC members are on call at all times to serve as needed in the case of emergency. The Brainerd Area Amateur Radio Club has over 85 members, most of whom live within 30 miles of Brainerd. Members from the Twin Cities, other parts of the state, and even from other states also lend a hand when they are in the area.