Every 4th of July, the city of Ojai celebrates with it’s annual parade. Behind the scenes, members of the Ojai Valley Amateur Radio Club (OVARC) are hard at work. These licensed ham radio operators volunteered their time and technical expertise to coordinate parade floats, ensure smooth communication across the event, and provide critical community assistance during one of Ojai’s most cherished traditions.
Using a network of portable radios and the Ojai N6FL repeater, OVARC operators worked alongside parade staff and local organizers to keep things moving on schedule. Whether it was helping floats find their place in line or relaying real-time updates to logistics teams, their radio communications played a vital role in keeping the event safe and organized.From the early-morning setup to the last float rolling down Ojai Avenue, these amateur radio volunteers proved that ham radio is more than a hobby—it’s a public service.
