We’ve been asked to provide the safety communications for the 10^th annual Lollypop Farm Barktoberfest.  The Farm staff has been using its own communications (FRS, commercial band radios, and cell phones) which, so far, have worked satisfactorily but they’re very concerned about the consequences if any of those should fail.  They found out that hams provide extremely reliable communications during special events and are anxious to have us help them out.

What, you ask, is a Barktoberfest?  It’s an incredibly fun fund raiser for the Monroe County Humane Society at Lollypop Farm.  The two main events are a 5 mile race along paved roads and a 1.5 mile walk through hilly, wooded terrain, both in the Lollypop Farm neighborhood.  Accompanying pets are optional in the walking event.  These courses may seem short but approximately 150 runners and 400+ walkers are expected for the two events.

We need to be at Lollypop Farm by 7:00 AM.  While we’d be done by 12:00 or 12:30, we are, of course, welcome to stay for the other events such as the pet contests.