SARC Septemberfest Public Service Volunteer
Here is a valuable public service opportunity for SARC members. Schaumburg Septemberfest returns over Labor Day weekend, and amateur radio volunteers are needed to help support event communication.
SARC members can now review the available assignments and volunteer through the club’s member-only Septemberfest sign-up page. Enter an approved amateur radio call sign to open the assignment sheet.[1]
Event Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Schaumburg Septemberfest |
| Dates | Saturday, September 5, through Monday, September 7, 2026 |
| Saturday hours | 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Sunday hours | 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Monday hours | 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Location | Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts and Municipal Center grounds |
| Address | 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, IL 60193 |
| Admission | Free |
| SARC activity | Public service communication support |
| Volunteer access | SARC member access and an approved amateur radio call sign are required |
| Sign-up page | SARC Septemberfest Volunteer Sign-Up |
Septemberfest schedules, maps, access points, and volunteer assignments may change. Volunteers should check the SARC assignment page and official Village of Schaumburg information before reporting.[2]
Why SARC Supports Septemberfest
Septemberfest is the Village of Schaumburg’s flagship community event. The three-day festival historically attracts more than 100,000 visitors and includes entertainment, food, carnival rides, arts and crafts, bingo, a drone show, and the Labor Day parade.
A large public event creates many routine communication needs. Organizers may need updates from distant locations, information about changing conditions, requests for supplies, or confirmation that an assigned area is operating normally.
SARC volunteers help connect those locations through organized amateur radio communication. This gives event officials another dependable way to exchange information across a large and busy festival site.[3]
Amateur radio volunteers do not replace police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, or Village staff. Our role is to observe, communicate clearly, and follow the event’s established command structure.
How to Volunteer
Open the Member Sign-Up Page
Visit the SARC Septemberfest Public Service Volunteer Sign-Up.
The assignment sheet is restricted to approved SARC members. Enter your amateur radio call sign to continue. Call-sign entry is not case-sensitive.
Review the Available Assignments
Read the date, time, location, and requested number of volunteers for each assignment. Select a position only when you can cover the complete scheduled period.
The sign-up page reflects current availability. An assignment may close when the requested number of volunteers has been reached.
Complete Your Information
Provide the requested name, call sign, email address, and cell phone number. The cell phone number gives event coordinators a backup way to contact you before or during the assignment.
An emergency-contact telephone number may also be provided. Review your information carefully before submitting it.
Watch for Instructions
After signing up, watch your email for reporting instructions, radio programming information, parking directions, credentials, or required Village volunteer registration.
Do not rely on an assignment or radio plan from a previous year. Municipal Center construction will affect the 2026 festival layout, even though Septemberfest remains on the usual Prairie Center and Municipal Center grounds.[4]
Volunteer Sign-Up Flow
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C --> D
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What SARC Volunteers May Do
Exact duties depend on the assignment and the directions provided by the event coordinator. Typical public service communication work may include:
- Maintaining radio contact with Net Control
- Providing status reports from an assigned position
- Relaying requests or observations accurately
- Monitoring activity near an assigned area
- Helping event staff locate the correct resource
- Recording important traffic or assignment changes
- Remaining at the assigned position until properly relieved
If a visitor asks a question, be friendly and helpful. If you do not know the answer, direct the visitor to the appropriate Village employee, police officer, information point, or event official.
What to Bring
| Item | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Programmed radio | Provides access to the assigned primary and backup channels |
| Spare battery | Helps keep the station operating through the complete assignment |
| Headset or earpiece | Makes messages easier to hear in a noisy festival environment |
| Charged cell phone | Provides backup contact with the coordinator |
| Notebook and pens | Supports accurate logging of messages and assignment changes |
| Identification and credentials | Helps event personnel identify authorized volunteers |
| Weather protection | Prepare for sun, heat, wind, or rain |
| Water | Helps maintain hydration during an outdoor assignment |
| Comfortable footwear | Some assignments may require standing or walking |
| Assignment instructions | Provides reporting time, location, contact information, and operating guidance |
Bring only equipment that you can carry and manage safely. Keep cables, bags, and radio accessories out of walkways.
Good Radio Practice at a Busy Event
- Listen before transmitting.
- Use your assigned tactical identifier or call sign as directed.
- Keep routine messages short and specific.
- Repeat important names, locations, or numbers when necessary.
- Do not add guesses or personal opinions to a report.
- Acknowledge instructions so Net Control knows they were received.
- Report urgent traffic promptly and follow Net Control’s direction.
- Protect personal and sensitive information.
- Notify Net Control before leaving an assigned position.
- Complete any required log or after-action information.
A Strong Record of Service
SARC has a demonstrated record of supporting Schaumburg Septemberfest.
In 2024, 13 volunteers contributed more than 93 hours, including planning, radio testing, and event operations. In 2025, 26 volunteers contributed more than 80 service hours and were recognized for serving as extra eyes and ears for Village personnel.[5][6]
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| 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
| Member Type | Suggested Goal |
|---|---|
| First-time volunteer | Choose a manageable assignment, attend any briefing, and learn the event communication structure. |
| New Technician | Practice clear VHF or UHF communication while working under the direction of Net Control. |
| Experienced operator | Take an assignment that requires steady communication and help newer volunteers prepare. |
| Net-control operator | Maintain an organized log, acknowledge each station, and keep radio traffic moving efficiently. |
| Portable operator | Test batteries, audio accessories, and radio programming before the event. |
| SARC mentor | Invite a newer member to participate and explain public service operating practices. |
Give It a Try
Septemberfest is one of SARC’s most visible public service activities. It allows members to practice useful communication skills while helping the community we serve.
If you are available over Labor Day weekend, review the open assignments and select a position that fits your schedule and experience. First-time volunteers are welcome, and experienced members can make the event even stronger by helping others prepare.
Open the SARC Septemberfest Volunteer Sign-Up and join the 2026 public service team.
References
- “SARC Septemberfest Public Service Volunteers.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/septemberfest-volunteer-sign-up/. ↩
- “Septemberfest.” Village of Schaumburg. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.villageofschaumburg.com/our-village/events/septemberfest. ↩
- “Public Service.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/activities/public-service/. ↩
- “General Information: Septemberfest 2026.” Village of Schaumburg. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.villageofschaumburg.com/our-village/events/septemberfest/general-information. ↩
- “Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club Board of Directors Meeting, September 4, 2024.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/2024/09/schaumburg-amateur-radio-club-board-of-directors-september-4-2024/. ↩
- “Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club Business Meeting Minutes, December 2025.” Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.n9rjv.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Dec-Minutes-pdf.pdf. ↩