Stations working on their Triple Play Award or Year of the State QSO Party Award will want to be on the air on Saturday, March 21 as North Dakota -- always a rare state -- will hold their first QSO Party in 14 years.

"The North Dakota QSO Party (NDQP) is certain to put North Dakota on the map -- and hopefully off the Needed List of many a deserving amateur," said ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X. The contest is sponsored by the North Dakota Radio Association (NDRA) with help from several other North Dakota clubs.

Newly appointed North Dakota Section Manager Lynn Nelson, W0CQ, told Kutzko that interest has been high for starting the event up again. "I had many hams asking me to kick off a State QSO Party," Nelson said. "We are encouraging North Dakota stations to work 20 meters in the afternoon hours. This will help to tackle the demand of the state -- and its many rare counties -- for several Amateur Radio awards, including the ARRL's Triple Play and Year of the State QSO Party."

The North Dakota QSO Party runs from 1700 UTC Saturday, March 21-0100 UTC Sunday, March 22. All bands from 160-2 meters (except 60, 30, 17 and 12 meters) are acceptable. Complete rules and forms can be found on the NDRA Web site. Don't miss your chance to work one of the rarest states in the country -- get in on the fun of the North Dakota QSO Party!