Orange Worthy Radio

The Orange Amateur Radio Club will be hosting its annual Summer Field Day on June 22-23, 2024. The radio event will be held at the Mauriceville Heritage Fairgrounds, 4711 Cohenour Rd. in Mauriceville.

The event starts Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 1 pm through Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 1 pm. The public is invited to join and participate In Ham Radio Communications.

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) sponsors the Field Day event. The goal is to make as many contacts as possible in the 24-hour window. The contest is recognized worldwide so that other countries may join in.

Hams from across North America ordinarily participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Their use of radio signals, which reach beyond borders, brings people together while providing essential communication in the service of communities. Field Day highlights ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless communications network.

Some hams from South Texas Section will also use the radio stations set up in their homes or taken to their backyards and other locations to operate individually or with their families. Many hams have portable radio communication capability that includes alternative energy sources such as generators, solar panels, and batteries to power their equipment. This year’s event is also noteworthy given that a particularly active hurricane season is predicted. “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” said Mike Manshack AD5OG. “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others,” Manshack added.

For more information, please contact Phil Pollock at 409 988-9898 (af5dt@arrl.net) or Rocky Wilson (n5mtx@arrl.net) at 409-988-8906.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center invites the public to enjoy a golden hour in the garden during their summer Sip and Stroll. This special after-hours experience is offered in collaboration with Free State Cellars on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. Admission to Sip and Stroll is free of charge.

“We are thrilled to offer a summer Sip and Stroll where visitors may explore the garden’s stunning summer blooms and savor local artisanal wines. This experience uniquely combines the sounds and sights of nature with live music from the highly talented David Justin Trio,” said Angie Mason, executive director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

In addition to Free State Cellars’ signature spirits, specialty picnic boxes, a la carte food items and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for visitors to purchase and enjoy in the garden. To guarantee a picnic, boxes may be pre-ordered from Free State Cellars. The picnic boxes include a deli-style sandwich, charcuterie bites, and more. Visitors are welcome to bring a blanket to sit on while they enjoy their delectable treats and beverages.

“This summer, we are proud to unveil new garden spaces, including our newly installed Quilt Gardens and Petrified Forest pathway. Created in collaboration with the Stark Museum of Art’s special quilt exhibition, the Quilt Gardens showcase a fusion of traditional quilting patterns using plants as the medium. A new pathway through the Petrified Forest provides visibility to more than 200,000 pounds of petrified wood from Lutcher Stark’s collection that has been inaccessible to our visitors for years. Sip and Stroll provides a golden opportunity for our guests to enjoy both of these new spaces in a different light,” said Mason.

Please note that outside food and beverages will not be permitted into the venue. The last entry is at 7:30 p.m.

Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas. For more information, please visit their Facebook page.

Celebrate Independence Day with the Explore Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau at the 2024 July 4th Concert & Fireworks Celebration.

The event will be held on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the Riverside Pavilion, located at 708 Simmons Drive. It will be an evening of freedom, fun, and fireworks, with live music entertainment, food vendors, kid activities, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Schedule of Events:

• 4:00 pm: Gates open
• 7:00 – 9:00 pm: Live music by The Royal Dukes Band
• 9:00 pm: Fireworks

This event is FREE to the public! Please note that dogs and pets are not allowed at the Riverside Pavilion. Coolers are welcome, and chairs are encouraged.

For more information, contact Explore Orange at 409-883-1011 or visit their Facebook page.