ARES members provide communications support for a number of non-profit community events,  which occur throughout the year.  Helping with these events gives us live experience in handling radio traffic for agencies that might call upon us for emergency communications in the future.

Field Day

Amateur Radio Field Day is a national exercise in which groups practice their ability to establish communications under simulated emergency conditions.  It is usually held the fourth weekend in June.  Field day is a contest in which each station tries to contact as many other stations as possible during a 24-hour period.  Most participating stations are operated with portable equipment and from non-commercial power sources such as gasoline powered generators.

Half Moon Bay ARES participates in Field Day each year.  ARES utilizes the Police Communications Van from a location other than its usual parking space, using portable generators. This exercise provides practice in taking down, moving, and setting up the station, and provides for a thorough check of the equipment. All members are encouraged to participate, and guests are welcome.

Night of Lights

The Half Moon Bay Downtown Business Association, Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, and the City of Half Moon Bay Recreation Division announces the annual Nights of Lights.

Nights of Lights in downtown Half Moon Bay begins with a tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 p.m. followed by a night of family festivities. The beautiful tree will be on display in the center of town at Mac Dutra Park on the corner of Main Street and Kelly Avenue. Decorations include ornaments made by local school children. After the tree lighting, the Prince and Princess of the parade will be crowned. The royal children are nominated by teachers and community leaders and chosen by a committee based on their acts of kindness throughout the year.

Hundreds of children twinkling in lights will march down Main Street in The Parade of Lights at 7:00 p.m. Floats and an old-fashioned fire truck will guide Santa to his special seat for photos and wish lists. Other events include snowflakes on Main Street, roasted chestnuts on an open fire and lots of old-fashioned, old town charm. There will be music and street performers at several locations. Local non-profits will be around offering tasty treats and holiday crafts for sale. The shops and restaurants will be open late for browsers wishing to see and taste the unique holiday treasures Half Moon Bay has to offer.

Amateur Radio operators assist with the parade by providing crowd control, in order to keep the parade route clear and safe for spectators and participants.