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Assignment Sign-up for Schaumburg Septemberfest

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SARC Septemberfest 2026 Volunteer Responsibilities and Opportunities

Howard Mitchell, KD9WSV
SARC EmCom Chairman / Septemberfest Coordinator

For anyone who did not participate last year, the information below provides a summary of the basic responsibilities and opportunities available so you can make an informed decision about volunteering for the 2026 Schaumburg Septemberfest.

This is a fantastic opportunity for new club members and newly licensed amateur radio operators to participate in a major public service event and gain valuable experience.

2026 Event Snapshot

**Key information for 2026 Schaumburg Septemberfest volunteers**
Item	Details
Event	Schaumburg Septemberfest 2026
Festival dates	Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026^[1]
Festival location	Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts and Municipal Center grounds, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, Illinois^[1]
Parade	Monday, September 7, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m.^[2]
Volunteer activities	Festival assignments, parade assignments, and the SARC information booth
Coordinator	Howard Mitchell, KD9WSV, SARC EmCom Chairman and Septemberfest Coordinator

Event arrangements can change. Volunteers should follow the final maps, schedules, frequencies, credentials, and instructions issued by Howard and the Village of Schaumburg.

Three Ways to Volunteer

There are three different types of activities we are asking you to consider:

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    B{"`What type of
assignment?`"}

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    D["`Parade
assignment`"]

    E["`SARC information
booth`"]

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1. Festival Assignments

You will be assigned to a specific area of the festival for a designated time period. Your primary responsibility will be to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears and report any situation that may require communication with the Operations Center.

Examples could include:

A safety concern
A question or request for information
A situation requiring assistance from a first responder, such as police, fire, or paramedics

Volunteers assigned to the festival will have a scheduled one-hour break during their assignment. Your schedule will identify when your break is scheduled and who you are assigned to relieve when your break is over.

2. Parade Assignments

The parade will take place on Monday morning, September 7th.

You will be assigned to a specific location along the parade route. Your role will be similar to that of other public service events: serving as an additional set of eyes and ears and communicating anything requiring attention to Parade Net Control and the Operations Center.

The Village states that the parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and travels north on Summit Drive from Wise Road toward the festival grounds.^[2] Your SARC assignment instructions will provide the reporting time and exact position.

3. SARC Information Booth

Volunteers will be assigned a specific day and time to staff the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club information booth. This is an opportunity to interact with the public and share information about amateur radio and the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club.

The booth is a good assignment for members who enjoy welcoming visitors, explaining how amateur radio works, and helping people find information about licensing, club activities, public service, and getting on the air.

How Event Communication Works

SARC volunteers observe, listen, and report. Net Control provides the organized radio link to the Operations Center. Police, Fire, and Public Works leaders determine the appropriate response through their own teams.

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or receives a request`"]

    B["`The volunteer reports clear facts
to SARC Net Control`"]

    C["`Net Control relays the information
to the Operations Center`"]

    D["`Police, Fire, Public Works,
or event leadership
evaluates the report`"]

    E["`The appropriate team responds
or provides instructions`"]

    A --> B
    B --> C
    C --> D
    D --> E

Report what you observe without guessing. Use a clear location, a short description, and any details Net Control requests. For an immediate life-safety emergency, follow the emergency procedures provided at the volunteer briefing.

General Information for Those Considering Volunteering

If you can sign up for more than one time slot, your additional participation would be very much appreciated.
A conference call will be scheduled before Septemberfest to answer questions and review information. Participation will be optional. If you have questions before volunteering, please contact Howard, KD9WSV.
The Village conducts a basic background check and issues badges to volunteers. We are hopeful that those approved last year will not have to repeat the process.
Parade parking: You may park on your choice of one of the roads leading to the parade route. Additional information will be provided, as some roads will be closed.
Festival and information booth parking: Parking will be available in a lot on the north side of Schaumburg Road. Volunteers will receive a special pass allowing access to this area. You will then walk across the street to your assignment on the festival grounds, so some walking will be required.
You will need an HT programmed to the required frequencies. Those frequencies will be provided well before the event. You will also need to wear a yellow safety vest. We have only a limited number of loaner vests available.
For all activities, a SARC member will serve as Net Control from the Operations Center, alongside Police, Fire, and Public Works leaders who will be communicating with their respective teams. Net Control Operators will be scheduled separately.
Additional detailed information—including maps, frequencies, contact information, procedures, and other instructions—will be provided over the next several weeks.

An HT is a handheld transceiver, often called a handheld radio. Do not publish or distribute event frequencies, private contact information, or operational details unless the coordinator has approved them for public release.

Volunteer Readiness Checklist

**Basic preparation for a SARC Septemberfest assignment**
Item	What to Check
Assignment details	Confirm your date, reporting time, location, break, and relief responsibility.
HT	Program and test the required frequencies after the approved channel information is issued.
Power	Charge the radio and bring a charged spare battery if one is available.
Audio	Consider a compatible earpiece or headset because festival areas may be noisy.
Safety vest	Bring a yellow safety vest or confirm a loaner with the coordinator.
Credentials	Bring the badge, parking pass, and identification requested in the final instructions.
Outdoor readiness	Wear comfortable footwear and prepare for walking, sun, heat, wind, or rain.
Information	Bring the final schedule, map, contact information, and procedures.

A Strong Record of Service

SARC has a demonstrated record of supporting Schaumburg Septemberfest. In 2024, 13 volunteers contributed more than 93 hours, including preparation and event operations.^[3] In 2025, 26 volunteers contributed more than 80 service hours while serving as extra eyes and ears for Village personnel.^[4]

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**Recent SARC Septemberfest public service participation**
Year	Volunteers	Reported Service
2024	13	More than 93 hours, including preparation and event operations
2025	26	More than 80 service hours

Suggested SARC Goals

**Suggested goals for Septemberfest volunteers**
Member Type	Suggested Goal
First-time volunteer	Choose a manageable assignment, review the briefing material, and learn how the event communication structure works.
Newly licensed operator	Practice clear, concise radio communication while working under the direction of Net Control.
Experienced operator	Accept an assignment that requires steady communication and help a newer volunteer prepare.
Information-booth volunteer	Welcome visitors and explain one practical way they can learn more about amateur radio or SARC.
Net Control operator	Maintain an organized log, acknowledge stations, and keep radio traffic clear and orderly.

Make an Informed Commitment

Hopefully, the information above provides enough basic information for you to make an informed decision about volunteering.

If you volunteer, we need you to show up and fulfill your commitment. The success of this operation depends on everyone doing their part.

Thank you for considering participating in this important opportunity to represent the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club and provide valuable support to the Village of Schaumburg.