In just a few weeks, one of the most popular summer operating events kicks off – The 13 Colonies Special Event. Now in its 18th 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 the 13 Colonies Special Event organizers are recognizing America’s sesquicentennial by featuring many locations where the Declaration of Independence was first read in their city or colony 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 country’s role in America’s Colonial period. All stations will be offering a special QSL card. A few stations are offering special events within the Special Event. North Carolina’s K2J team says to stay tuned to their Facebook and QRZ page. Philadelphia’s WM3PEN is participating in both the 13 Colonies Special Event as well as the World Soccer Tournament Special Event, Stations who work WM3PEN July 1 -7 will get credit for both events and with a QSL request will get a special qsl card for each event. 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. This year certificates can be downloaded, or ordered online or by mail. Operators can keep an eye out for the special event stations by watching many of the dx spotting networks such as DXSummit.fi. https://www.13colonies.us/
Such a great event and now we can request a cert via the web ! Thank you for all the work that goes into this special event ! Thank you ! Morgan WW7B
Well since NC is only going to do 1000 cards and most of us have to work for a living and will have limited time to even try. I don't think I will waste my time. And then they have a nerve to ask for money in your SASE. If I send you money you better be printing a card. We go though this every year. If you can not do QSL cards for everyone, then do participate in the event.
I participated in '23 and '24. I had clean sweeps both years; mixed in '23 and an all-16 CW sweep in '24. It was a lot of fun, and if you've never tried, I highly recommend it. Just be aware that the operators of the UK bonus station have been pretty terrible the past few years, so it can be difficult to get. They do weird things like calling female operators only for a half-hour at a time, which is ridiculous. But however it goes this year, just remember to stay patient and polite. It' a good time. Cheers and 73.
I'm interested in having a QSO with you as well, but I am located in Thailand. However, I would really love to receive a printed QSL card from you.
I don't bother with hardly any QSL cards for several years, for any events, I use LOTW; but do send a donation for the Certificate, I usually send extra $ to help offset costs. A few years ago, I got all 16 stations in 2 days, but I was on the air in the evenings and early mornings. When I moved to FL in 2019 I threw away thousands of QSL cards, but kept all my wallpaper certificates, most of them are still packed in boxes. LOL Best of luck to all!!!
