The annual 13 Colonies special event.

The annual 13 Colonies special event  (please view link to learn more about the event) was going on during the RAC Canada Day contest on July 1st. Last year I read about this event on Larry W2LJ's blog last year and he had a posted about it as well as this year. While I was operating the RAC Contest I found over and over a number of the special call letters from the 13 colonies event kept popping up. I then decided my operating would become contesting /13 Colonies Event operation. I was shocked that by the end of the evening I had a total of 9 of the 13 special calls in the log. Now there really are 15 stations you can contact as there are 2 bonus stations and I was able to snag one of those as well. I was on last evening but was unable to secure any additional contacts. The fun begins now as I have to search out specific calls that I need. Larry W2LJ did mention that the event can get very busy and last evening I was listening to a station (that was already in my log) and it was so busy and the pileup was crazy he had to operate split!
I will be on again this weekend to see if I can get all 13 stations and the bonus stations. Stay safe everyone and thanks very much for taking the time to stop by the blog.
Mike Weir, VE9KK, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Brunswick, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].

14 Responses to “The annual 13 Colonies special event.”

  • Bill WA8MEA:

    One of my favorites. Plenty of ACTIVE participants… contrary to other similar special events where one or two ops seem to be absent until the last day or don’t show at all.

  • Bruce - K9ICP:

    On top of those you mention, the W9IMS special event is also operating. This is for the Indycar Grandprix and Brickyard 400. One contact gets both. All you need is a contact when the rescheduled Indy 500 is run (August 17 – 23) to get a nice certificates.

  • Mike VE9KK:

    Good evening Bill, thanks very much for reading the post and taking the time to submit a comment. It is very active with K2 participants and I have added 2 more to my count this morning. I now have only 2 to go RI and CT I am going to give them a go this evening and see how it goes. Oh and I was visiting your QRZ page and for sure there is nothing like Motown!
    73,
    Mike
    VE9KK

  • Mike VE9KK:

    Good evening Bruce very nice to hear from you, yes the good old Indy! This weekend when I am checking out DX Summit I will look for W9IMS and give them a shout.
    Thanks for stopping by Bruce and putting in your 2 cents and for letting me know about W9IMS event.
    73,
    Mike
    VE9KK

  • Nolan ki5io:

    Mike,

    I’ve been working 13-Colonies for 10+ years. Been doing all CW for the last 7-8 years.

    First couple days are hectic and it smooths out a tad after that.

    I’ll often revist stations just as a safety in case the early Q’s didn’t get logged on their end due to the crush.

    GB13COL is close to impossible for me via CW. My dipole and 100w just won’t reach or vice-versa.

    I think 13-Colonies is one of the best events I look forward to each year. Route 66 is a close second, but seems like fewer CW OPs on that event.

  • Mike VE9KK:

    Good afternoon Nolan very nice to hear from you again, this is the first year I have taken part in this event and I am very much enjoying it. At this point, I need K2C and K2D to complete my CW sweep. I have heard both these stations today but very much in the noise floor. I will keep trying and see how it goes and maybe the ham gods will smile on me and I will pick up England as well.
    73,
    Take care during this crazy time Nolan.
    Mike
    VE9KK

  • William Marinucci:

    AWESOME EVENT 73

  • Cliff KU4GW:

    I love it! I think it is so cool that they do this every year to celebrate America’s Independence! Also, Canada Day, the Route 66 On The Air Special Event, the Marconi HF CW Contest from Italy, and the W9IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) special events are all happening on Independence week too. These Special Events sure do make the hobby even more fun than it already is! I’ve never worked enough to get a sweep in the 13 Colonies Event before, but I’m working on it with all CW stations. I’ve heard getting the same state you’re in is usually the most difficult, but I just logged NC on 20 meters at 1701z so got that one out of the way now. I still have 8 more to go for the sweep and I sure am having fun! Yeehaw! Good luck and very 73! “Happy Independence Week to all of you American Patriots out there!”

  • Mike VE9KK:

    Good evening William, I am very much enjoying the event and it’s nice that it is 7 days.
    73,
    Mike
    VE9KK

  • Mike VE9KK:

    Good evening Cliff and very nice to hear from you again, yes it sure is a special event packed weekend and week as well. I also am sticking with CW for the 13 Colonies event. I only have to get K2C and GB13COL in the log but I have seen some posts that GB13COL is very rarely CW active. I have found so far that K2C is busy on SSB and digital but then again I could be on at the wrong times. I do know time is running out and I am going to have to step up my game and spend more time in the radio chair.
    73 and good luck Cliff….stay safe as well.
    Mike
    VE9KK

  • Kathleen VA3WEX:

    Stumbled across the event and was intrigued. I liked the “treasure hunt” aspect of trying to “collect” the call signs. Got 12 out of the 13, and sent away for the certificate. Had so much fun I will operate it again next year.

  • Mike VE9KK:

    Good afternoon Kathleen and very nice to hear from you, yes the event is very nice but this year I did not have a chance to enter the hunt.
    73,
    Mike
    VE9KK

  • Bruce k4bdk:

    have not received my certificate yet just wondering if there is a problem

  • Mike VE9KK:

    Good morning Bruce, yes I did get the cert in the mail and it looks great. I had a blast at the event. I posted on July 9 2020 about the success of getting all 13 colonies along with the 2 bonuses as well. Thanks for checking in Bruce and have a good week.
    73,
    Mike
    VE9KK

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