Grand Event 2004
By Ilona Maine and Bill Oberdieck
Overview
This year's Grand Event—AMA's annual modeling extravaganza—was held Father's Day weekend, June 18–20, and was hosted by the Evansville Radio Control Model Airplane Club (ERCMAC) in southern Indiana.
The idea for the Grand Event, developed in 1996, was to bring various segments of the hobby community together. It evolved into an event that was new, innovative, and fun: a weekend gathering at which all segments of the outdoor modeling industry were represented for a free, hands-on exposition that offered hobby opportunities for visitors.
Sponsors and support
Through the generous support of many industry leaders, the event expanded to include free make-and-take items for youngsters and a huge raffle. Local businesses were approached each year for sponsorship and financial assistance. The Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) has provided generous financial support in the past and will continue to do so. Thanks to outstanding contributions from Sig Manufacturing and Hitec RCD USA, event administrators were able to update the complete "fleet" of RC aircraft used for buddy-box flights.
Facilities and temporary builds
The Grand Event includes model car and boat activities, but not every flying site has a car track or a boat pond available. The ERCMAC didn't, but that didn't deter its members—they dug in, literally, and built a temporary boat pond.
Anybody who has tried doing that knows it's a trial-and-error project. If your club is interested in doing something similar, stop by Jack Charlier Field in Evansville, Indiana, and talk to ERCMAC members. They will be happy to share their experience. Compared to the pond, building the car track was child's play.
While you are at the field, say hello to club member Bill Kleinhans. His AMA number is 101—the first number available to the membership. (Numbers 1 through 100 are reserved for AMA presidents.)
Attendance and activity highlights
All of the club's hard work paid off. The weather was beautiful during the three days and brought out more than 2,800 people from at least eight different states, including visitors from Iowa, where the event was held in 2003 (Des Moines).
Event statistics included:
- 825 individuals received a first-time RC flight using a buddy box (all airplanes were intact when the event ended Sunday afternoon).
- 600 rockets were built and launched.
- 450 kites were provided by the Hoosier Kitefliers Society for visitors to assemble and fly.
- 557 boat captains piloted crafts on the temporary pond.
- Many youngsters and adults raced on the RC car track; a future NASCAR driver or two may have been discovered.
Demonstrations and performances
The Show Me Air Kings, one of AMA's air-show teams, performed Saturday after traveling from Missouri. ERCMAC member Mike Fuller demonstrated his proficient piloting skills with Jack Mathias's turbine-powered jet, followed by a helicopter demonstration by International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA) President Ron Kummer.
Ron was amazed by the number of general public attendees—especially youth—and believes that all of AMA's SIGs should participate or at least exhibit at the event. It is the perfect opportunity to meet people and spark interest in future modelers.
Prizes and giveaways
By simply attending the event, the public had the chance to win many door prizes generously donated by model manufacturers and local businesses. Major prizes included a 27-inch color television and two Hobbico Yard Stik park flyers, complete with radios. In addition, ERCMAC offered donated flight instruction.
A few memorable prize moments:
- The lucky television winner managed to squeeze the TV into an already crowded vehicle and still fit all passengers.
- One Yard Stik winner arrived by motorcycle, rode home to get his car, and returned to transport his prize.
- The second Yard Stik winner turned to her father with a big smile and said, "Happy Father's Day, Dad."
Thanks and next year
AMA thanks ERCMAC, its members, and all other volunteers—modeling and nonmodeling—for hosting the event and for their hard work and dedication. It made this a grand event indeed.
On behalf of ERCMAC, AMA extends appreciation to Jack Charlier. He donated the property for the flying field to the club several years ago, and the site was dedicated in his name in 1998. The club also received his permission to utilize adjoining property for this event.
The Heart of Texas Miniature Aircraft Club (HOTMAC) will host the 2005 Grand Event in Waco, Texas, August 26–28. Come join the fun when we "round 'em up" in the Lone Star State.
Authors
Ilona Maine
Bill Oberdieck
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
