Irving’s Fourth of July parade is just around the corner. We have been asked again to provide back-up communications for the City of Irving and to be an extra set of eyes for parade organizers.

The parade will take place on Wednesday, July 4th. Start time is 9 AM. We are usually finished by 11 AM. The parade route is the same as in years past. It will originate at Sowers and Rock Island, going south to Irving Blvd. It will turn west on Irving Blvd and then circle around Millenium Park and go east on Second St. It will continue all the way to Lucille where it will turn back left and then west again on Irving Blvd. It will continue back to Sowers where it will terminate.

This year we will gather after the parade at Heritage Park at Second and Main. The IARC will have a station set-up to provide information to the community and potentially recruit new members for the club and R.A.C.E.S. / ARES. We will also do a group photo at Heritage Park immediately at this time.

As in years past, if you have worked a specific intersection and want to work at the same location, send me an e-mail giving me your name, call-sign, and the location (i.e. Britain and Second, or Jefferson and Irving Blvd, etc). If you are new to the parade, send me your name and call-sign and we will find a place for you.

R.A.C.E.S / ARES members are required to wear your vest issued by The City of Irving Office of Emergency Management. Club members should wear a vest that makes you visible. The club may have a few if you need one. Indicate that in your e-mail.

You will need a 2-meter radio. It can be a handheld unit or mobile. We have had operators work out of their vehicles before, but handheld is best as it gets you into position to see more. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended along with water.

We will start taking check-ins at 8:30 AM the morning of the parade. You will need to be at your assigned intersection by that time. Net Control will then go over net protocol and the use of tactical call-signs. Last year we did a pre-net meeting on the air a few days before the parade. I will get with club leadership to work out a time for that.

My contact information is justplainfooks6@gmail.com. Note, this is a new e-mail address for me. I would prefer all e-mails to come to it, but I still have access to the old. My cell phone number is 972-589-4216. Fee free to contact me if you have any questions.

I think that covers most everything. If not, let me know. I am looking forward to another successful parade.

Tim Fooks
N5MBQ