WPA Section News ♦ February 11, 2026

WPA Hamfest Season Is Here!

It might be the middle of winter, but February ushers in the Western Pennsylvania 2026 Hamfest season with the annual WASHfest at the usual location in South Park on Sunday, February 22nd. Good friends, good food, good radio odds and ends... and good luck in the multiple prize drawings with a grand prize that will knock your socks off: a brand new, latest model ICOM IC-7300 MK2!  More info at n3sh.org. See you there!

02/22/2026 - WASHFEST (Wireless Association of South Hills)

South Park Home Economics Building
3735 Buffalo Drive
South Park Township , PA

http://n3sh.org ♦Talk-In: 146.955 (-) and 443.650 (+) 131.8 Pl

03/14/2026 - Warren County Hamfest

Youngsville Free Methodist Church
179 Davis St.
Youngsville, PA 16371

https://sites.google.com/site/kb3bsa/warren-county-hamfest ♦ Talk-In: 145.110 ctcss 182.6 

04/19/2026 - Two Rivers Amateur Radio Club 54th Annual Amateur Radio / Computer Show (Two Rivers Amateur Radio Club of McKeesport)

Lincoln Borough VFD No. 184 Social Hall
4312 Liberty Way
Elizabeth, PA 15037

 http://trarc.org ♦ Talk-In: 147.12 Repeater (PL Tone 131.8)

... More to follow  ...

About Us

Our Western Pennsylvania Section will celebrate 100 years of service to the radio amateurs and the citizens living in the western 33 counties of our Commonwealth. As we enter our second century, we celebrate our rich history, and make plans for keeping amateur radio an important part of our communities, by furthering our collective interests in public service, providing trained communicators and technical experts, providing Amateur Radio support of STEM curricula in our schools and continuing to advance the radio art.

In the 21st century we face new challenges and new opportunities to contribute our knowledge, skills and service to our communities, particularly by providing free radio communications services, trained radio operators and equipment during times of disaster. Our ARRL Field Service Organization of volunteer appointees will continue to stand ready to assist our communities in times of need, acting in partnership with other agencies and volunteer groups.

The impacts of COVID-19 affected many of our WPA Section amateur radio clubs. Sadly, we have lost many friends and mentors, and some groups are noticing sharp declines in membership and participation. We must all make a continuing commitment to support amateur radio activities and encourage people young and old to become active hams.

ARRL is expanding and supporting the efforts of our Field Service Organization volunteers, introducing exciting new projects and enhancing our existing Club, VE, ARES and NTS programs to meet the needs of the mid-21st century. These initiatives will certainly succeed with the experienced leadership and enthusiastic support by our WPA Section staff.

As these and other new programs are rolled out, our seasoned team of volunteers will continue our traditions of Service, Integrity and Excellence. By continuing our work to keep amateur radio an important part of our clubs, schools, and communities, there will be no limits to what we can achieve!

73 and Press ON!

Joe Shupienis W3BC
Western Pennsylvania Section Manager
SERVICE ⋄ INTEGRITY ⋄ EXCELLENCE