Their goal is to establish radio contact with all 39 Washington counties.

“It’s a way for amateurs to try and keep their operating skills up,” said Mike Mikuchonis of Lake Tapps, Wash., whose wife Gail is from Olga’s Willis family.

Mikuchonis and a handful of other amateur radio operators will meet at the Willis family’s Woodside Farm on Sept. 17 and 18 to take part in the Washington Salmon Run or QSO party.

Ham radio operators from across the state, the nation and sometimes from other countries will attempt to contact Washington counties as part of the contest.

Prizes of smoked salmon will be awarded for the top performances. Contestants will be using single sideband, morse code and various digital modes.

The small group meeting at Woodside Farm will include members from the Mike and Key Club of Seattle and the Radio Club of Tacoma, which is celebrating its 95th year.

“There are not a whole lot of amateurs in San Juan County to get,” said Mikuchonis. “We’re coming up to make San Juan County, and particularly Orcas Island available.”

He said ham radio operators often play a key role during emergencies or extreme weather situations, stepping in to provide communication with emergency responders when power, phone or cell phone service is inoperable.

The event will run on Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.