The White River Radio & Communication Group hosted yet another successful “Meet & Greet & POTA” event this past Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Kennedy Park in Batesville, Arkansas. The park’s pavilion, nestled along the scenic banks of the White River, served as an ideal backdrop for our gathering.



Early risers KF5JJ, KI5EDP, KB9ELS, and AG5CC arrived at the venue to prepare for the day. Before long, our flags and banners were proudly displayed, a welcoming atmosphere was established, and the tantalizing aroma of smoked meats filled the air. We established two POTA stations within ice tents, which proved excellent for minimizing road noise and allowing festivities to continue undisturbed while operators activated the park.


The event attracted 50 plus attendees from across the region, including Little Rock, Cabot, Heber Springs, Cherokee Village, Ash Flat, Jonesboro, Pocahontas, Evening Shade, and Walnut Ridge, among others. The popular Parks On the Air Trails, US 7435 and US 7436, were activated repeatedly throughout the day by various operators. Notably, K5UZ, affectionately known as the “ugly zebra” and Delta Division Director for the ARRL, joined us, adding to the day’s excitement.



The culinary highlight was undoubtedly the array of smoked meats prepared by KI5EDP, including brisket, Boston butt, sausages, hamburgers, and hotdogs. Attendees complemented the main dishes with a variety of side dishes and desserts, creating a feast for all. The day also featured numerous giveaways, with Genice KI5GRX doing a fantastic job as MC and distributing prizes. The grand prize, a POTA Performer Power Pack, was delightfully claimed by Adam Bates, WD50, ensuring his family will enjoy its benefits.

Debbie, KI5QQG, led a team of volunteer examiners in administering amateur radio testing, adding a new technician to our ranks and scheduling future exams. Chris N5CRL and Leann K5LPL managed the communications stations, including CB, 11 meters, and 2 meters. The festivities included a special birthday celebration for Chris, complete with singing, cake, and presents.
The event wasn’t just for the adults; children enjoyed 3-D printed whistles and flying Whorley jigs, baggo games, and access to the playground. Although the tailgate swap fest was quieter than anticipated, plans are already in motion to enhance this aspect in future events.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed, whether through donations, labor, or simply by being part of our community. Your involvement is what makes these events so rewarding and fun.

If you missed this event, be sure to plan for the next one, and if you were there, we invite you to share your experiences both on Facebook and in the comments section of our website below. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to grow and improve. Thank you to all who made this event a success!
For more images and details, please follow this link on our website.
What a fantastic event it was! The whole setup at Kennedy Park was perfect for both new and seasoned operators to enjoy some great radio time together. Huge kudos to everyone who helped organize, and to KI5EDP for that delicious smoked brisket—definitely a highlight! It was great to see so many faces, old and new, and the energy was just contagious. Already looking forward to the next one. Great job, White River Radio & Communication Group!
My experience at the POTA meet and greet at Batesville AR 4-20-24. I’ve been in an industry for over half a decade and I’ve been to more conferences and events than you can shake a stick at with limitless man power and finances available and this is the most pleasurable, entertaining and learning group meeting I have ever attended. Trust and respect are never given, it can only be earned, and it’s obvious that the meeting coordinators has earned the trust and respect of the radio operator community to have such a great turn out for this event. All of the attendees at the event where the nicest and pleasurable folks I have had the pleasure to meet. There is something about radio that brings out the best in folks. Or maybe it’s the kind of folks that migrate to radio. This event was absolutely wonderful and a learning experience for me. My compliments to the event coordinators and I look forward to future events by these kind folks. 73, KF5JJ