The Texoma Hamfest was first held in 1948. Amateur radio operators attend hamfests (or conferences) for many reasons, including vendor and individual sales, buying or selling their radio gear, purchasing equipment, learning more about amateur radio, obtaining or upgrading their amateur radio license, and meeting new or old friends.

This hamfest started at the Lake Texoma Lodge as an outdoor tailgate event. It was moved to the Ardmore Conference Center when the lodge was due to be torn down in about 2008.

Central Oklahoma Radio Amateurs (CORA)

CORA is a not-for-profit corporation created by amateur radio clubs in the central Oklahoma area. Four officers and a board of directors comprising up to three representatives from each member club conduct the corporate affairs.

Chief among the duties of CORA is to put on the annual Ham Holiday and Texoma Hamarama shows. Other responsibilities include obtaining insurance at reasonable rates for the repeaters and club stations of the member clubs. CORA also serves as a valuable clearinghouse for communications between the local clubs concerning activities, events, needs, and programs.

Board meetings are held on the first Saturday from January through October at 1:00 p.m. at Wickline United Methodist Church in Midwest City, OK. July’s meeting is adjusted around the 4th of July holiday.

Meetings are open to the amateur radio public, but voting is reserved for officers and board members.