![Event vendors had vintage microphones like this one used by ham radios and other media outlets. [Kevin Boyer | Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-7136e86d-d420-3e8e-e053-0100007f760d-2a04195d-scaled.jpeg)
MILTON — The Milton Amateur Radio Club hosted an event July 14 drawing ham radio enthusiasts from Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties to shop and talk “ham.”
The event, held at the Santa Rosa County auditorium, was filled with both vintage and modern ham radio equipment for purchase as well as other items such as phones, radio accessories, and novelty items.
But the event was about more than shopping, according to Ken Dunn, a member of the radio club and one of the event coordinators.
“It is an event where we have camaraderie,” Dunn said. “where we have a chance to exchange equipment.”
MARC has put on 23 such events, according to Dunn.
“Some of these individuals have talked to each other for years [over the radio] and never had eye contact,” he said. “So this gives them an opportunity to meet.”
Dunn said profits from each event finance the next.
MARC's mission includes disaster communication in addition to social contact. Dunn said that radio has evolved beyond voice communication now and includes digital, satellite, and even television.
For those interested in learning about ham radio, the club sponsors a class through Pensacola State College’s Continuing Education Department.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Ham it up