The annual 13 Colonies Special Event takes place starting at 1300 UTC on July 1. The event wraps up at 0400 UTC on July 7. This year’s theme is “Revolutionary War Era Colonial Currency.” Stations working just one state are eligible for a certificate, and a “Clean Sweep” endorsement will be attached for stations fortunate enough to work all 13 Colonies. A special endorsement will be attached for stations contacting sister operation WM3PEN in Philadelphia.

New this year, the 13 Colonies have added a second sister station W3FT in Baltimore, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of “The Star Spangled Banner.”

At least two stations from each of the original 13 colonies will be on the air at any given time. Special events stations to listen for are K2A (New York), K2B (Virginia), K2C (Rhode Island), K2D (Connecticut), K2E (Delaware), K2F (Maryland), K2G (Georgia), K2H (Massachusetts), K2I (New Jersey), K2J (North Carolina), K2K (New Hampshire), K2L (South Carolina), K2M (Pennsylvinia), plus WM3PEN.

All HF bands except 30, 17, and 12 meters will be in play, and simplex operation on 2 meters and 6 meters is encouraged. Special event stations may use all modes.

Last year, more than 81,000 contacts were made during the 13 Colonies Special Event.