The LaGrange Amateur Radio Club is gearing up to celebrate this as Amateur Radio Week.

The amateur radio operators - called hams - will put on demonstrations, speak to community groups and take part in activities to raise awareness about amateur radio. The week will culminate with local operators participating in the national Field Day, which is designed to test operators’ abilities to set up and operate portable stations under emergency conditions, including loss of electricity.

While cell phones and computers often can be used in disasters, there are still many times when amateur radio operators can provide communication. For weeks after Hurricane Katrina, when cell towers were destroyed, radio operators were necessary for communication.

During this weekend’s 24-hour event, radio operators across the nation will set up in parks, shopping malls and back yards and get on the air using generators or battery power. While the event is a serious test of skill, it is also a day for fun. Throughout the event, radio operators try to contact as many other field day stations as possible. Last year more than 30,000 people across the United States and Canada participated.

The LaGrange event will be from 2 p.m. Saturday through 2 p.m. Sunday at the residence of Richard and Shirley Trainer, 4283 New Franklin Road.

n For information about amateur radio or the Field Day event, call Lee Becham at (706) 812-0406 or see the Web site wwwlagrangeradioclub.com. Information is also available from the American Radio Relay League at www.arrl.org.