13 Colonies Event Recognizes Event Founder KU2US In just a few weeks, one of the most popular summer operating events kicks off – The 13 Colonies Special Event. Now in its 17 year the event has grown from Special Event Stations making approximately 12,000 contacts to last year making 292, 496 contacts around the world. The Event runs from July 1 9:00 AM -July 7 Midnight Eastern (July 1 – 1300 UTC – July 8 – 0400 UTC). This year Event organizers are recognizing the 13 Colonies Special Event founder Ken Villone, KU2US, who is passing the torch on to Tony Jones, N4ATJ. For the past 16 years Villone has lead the Event by working with state and bonus station coordinators. Then after the event he would print out individual certificates for thousands of people who made contact with the special event stations. The Special Event consist of one station operating in each of the 13 Colonies (K2A – K2M) and three bonus stations (WM3PEN – Philadelphia, GB13COL – England, TM13COL – France) each representing their city, state, or countries role in America’s Colonial period. Villone describes how the event got started: “I had just finished participating in the ARRL Sweepstakes in 2008, and remarked how fun it was. I could not figure out why there were not more of these type special events on the air? So I decided to try my luck and create one for one year only to see what happens and to have some fun. I knew we had to offer a special QSL card and/or certificate plus have on hand a printer and supplies. The hard part was deciding what the event would commemorate and when to do this. I needed a theme that ALL could relate to! Also the event would have to be the type with multiple event stations involved, like the ARRL Sweeps. Then it hit me! 13 Colonies states, during the 4th of July week and offer a certificate with the theme for the year,.I made sure the theme was different each year with a different certificate design, to make it interesting and to also make the cert collectable. The theme would highlight some event or thing connected to the American Revolution. The event was held July 1st to the 4th, 2009, 4 days with no advertising except on QRZ. I had a hard time getting 13 different Ops, one from each Colony state but it worked out. All in all it was a success! We did over 12,000 contacts the first year. I decided we have a good thing going so I recruited another Op from each state and ran the event the next year in 2010.We did over 32,000 contacts in 2010, and had 26 state operators total. There was a 13 Colonies special event in 1962 but only lasted one year, according to my research. (I was 13 years old).” Ham Radio operators and SWLs can participate in the event. Complete information about the call for each colony station and the bonus stations can be found on the event website 13colonies.us and they can follow us on Facebook – 13 Colonies Special Event Community. Stations need only make one contact with one of the participating stations or they can go for a Clean Sweep and work all 13 Colony stations and the 3 bonus stations. Each station offers a special QSL card for the event as well as a different certificate each year. Operators can keep an eye out for the special event stations can keep an eye out for them by watching many of the dx spotting networks such as DXSummit.fi.
I did this last year,and I'm not doing it again,it was too much chaos trying to get New Hampshire and Vermont, once is enough for me.
So, you got all thirteen. Very good. Most I've gotten was four. I shall endeavor this year. A hundred watts to my dipole should do. Kraus/KC4ZGP
I love the event. My Dad KD8EEJ (sk) introduced me into the hobby. His birthday is the 4th of July. For his memory I do the event. I appreciate the time and effort the organizers take to set up and the run event. One thing I would like to see improve. As a new CW operator, I would like to see more of the stations run CW. Even in slow code, 12 to 14 WPM for even the real new folks. CW has been a game changer for me. CW totally rejuvenated my Ham hobby. I love doing CW POTA activations... Look me up on You Tube if you have thought about CW or learning it. Ed B / W4EMB
I had a blast participating in this wonderful event. It's nice that it runs for a whole week, allowing plenty of time to accommodate for different schedules. The certificate is really nice. Looking forward to this year.
I got them ALL last year I will sadly have to miss it this year cause I am moving in less than a week. I wish the stations good luck and so many QSO's that it will take months to process the all and to have a great time will on the air.
I've been able to get a "Clean Sweep" for the last five years. BUT, it's getting harder and harder to bust thru the pileups. Guess this event is growing in popularity making it more difficult each time. Not going to stop me from trying though.
I can understand NH being an issue last year, but we have picked up more operators for NH this year to fix this with me personally being one of those new ops. I plan to operate as K2K for NH everyday of the event, and for several hours each day.
Approximately 12,000 contacts the first year. Last year 292, 496 contacts. The numbers keep going up!
Got one Sweep , I just enjoy this not so Contest -Contest , hi,lol. Guess i am a Patriot Spirit Reborn - Step it up . The year i got my Sweep i did not use any DX spotters , am so proud of that ! Worked hard for that one , i might do a 2 peat , On your Marks , Get Set ! Have a Gallon Amp on order , hope it comes by then , (will only Fire it up when necessary) ,and working on special event Antenna Grabber lol. 73, AJ PS just enjoy the ride .
