The Jefferson Amateur Radio Club (JARC) and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation have partnered to put the New Canal Lighthouse “on-the-air” for the International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend, August 20 – 21, 2016. The hours will be from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am to 2:00pm on Sunday.
This international event is not a contest but a casual operating event and attracts over 500 lighthouse and lightship entries located in over 40 countries. It is one of the most popular international amateur radio events in existence probably because there are very few rules and it is not the usual contest type event.
The New Canal Lighthouse has historical significance in New Orleans dating back to 1837. It is listed officially as an aid to navigation and is recognized in the British Admiralty List of Light and Foghorns. It has been assigned number US0162.
JARC members will put the Lighthouse “on-the-air” operating under call sign W5GAD. We welcome all local hams to join us for this event. For more information on this event, please visit the “International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend” website by clicking here. For more information on the “New Canal Lighthouse”, please visit their website by clicking here.
Directions to the New Canal Lighthouse:
From I-10, take the West End Blvd exit. Follow West End Blvd, cross over the light at Robert E. Lee Blvd. and the lighthouse will be on your left. Park across the street. From I-610, exit Canal Blvd. (EXIT 1A), continue north to Lakeshore Dr., turn left for 1/3 mile. The lighthouse will be on the right at the curve. Park across the street.