Grand Weekend in Muncie
By Shelia Ames
Overview
The second annual Grand Event/Homecoming, sponsored by RCHTA (Radio Control Hobby Trade Association) and the AMA, was held Friday–Sunday, June 12–14 at the International Modeling Center in Muncie. It gave kids and adults a chance to experience different types of modeling and enjoy family fun, free of charge. An objective of the weekend was "to get new [AMA] members, and the hobby industry wants new customers," according to Bob Vojslavek, chairman of the Grand Event.
Weather and tent damage
Late Friday evening a severe thunderstorm blew down the long exhibitors' tent. Staff from Byerly Tent Company (which supplied the tents), volunteers, the AMA Maintenance staff, and others were at the site at 5:30 Saturday morning reconstructing it, but not all could be salvaged; a 100-foot section of tent was lost.
"Even one of those big, heavy tent stakes was bent in half!" said Deanna Hunt, AMA employee and Grand Event Communications Coordinator, who was at the site early Saturday morning helping with the tent.
The electricity went out at AMA Headquarters, so the National Model Aviation Museum was closed part of Saturday until power was restored in the afternoon. The rest of the weekend was warm and mostly sunny, and relatively calm except for random clouds and a spritz of rain Saturday afternoon—good weather for an outdoor event. Joyce Hager, AMA Executive Director, had predicted Friday afternoon, "It's going to be a wonderful event; everyone's going to have a good time; and it's not going to rain."
Attendance and volunteers
The site opened to the public at 8 a.m. Saturday (and again Sunday at 8 a.m.), with activities running until 5 p.m. both days. Roughly 3,500 visitors attended the event; about 900 of them were AMA members. Visitors were given programs and raffle tickets for hourly drawings. Raffle prizes included a variety of models and modeling accessories donated by exhibitors.
- Volunteers: about 200 were scheduled for the event.
- Kids flown via buddy-box: 291 children flew with the help of 39 volunteers.
- Make-and-take items constructed: about 800 over the weekend.
- CL make-and-take models: about 50 built on Saturday and 50 on Sunday.
- Young Eagles flights: 70 flights during the weekend.
- Out-of-state representation: 28 states were represented; 470 out-of-state attendees.
"We have extra people," said Sheila Tweedy, AMA Retail Operations Director/Volunteer Coordinator before the event. "The event should go smoothly, weather permitting." "It's a tremendous opportunity for the public to experience modeling without cost," said RC Coordinator Rich LaGrange. "Things went real well. I can't say enough about the volunteers."
Radio control flying and air shows
Radio Control (RC) flying was held all weekend at the L-Pad, a paved flying area at the north end of the site. Homecoming participants began arriving Friday and flying continued through Sunday.
There were air shows Saturday and Sunday from noon to 1 p.m., announced by Greg Poppel from Columbus, OH. Pilots included Frank Noll, Mike McConville, Tim Lime, Greg Hahn, and others.
Sheryl Penland and her son Jacob drove from Auburn, IN after seeing the Grand Event in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. "I like all of it so far," said Jacob. "I liked the bomber the most." Sheryl said she liked Willie Pope's Pterodactyl model best. Robyn Lewellen came from Fairmount, IN, to watch her husband Mark (a member of the Converse Flying Eagles) fly his newly finished F-4 Phantom II; Greg Hahn ultimately piloted the model to a smooth landing.
Sharing the flying area were kids signed up to fly RC trainers. Children were connected to a volunteer instructor's buddy-box and waited in line to fly one of three models donated by manufacturers; each received a certificate for completing a flight. Rich LaGrange estimated they could buddy-cord about 300 children if weather permitted; last year, in the rain, 168 flew.
Kids' make-and-take
A large tent contained stations for make-and-take rockets, Delta Darts, and kites. The kids built rockets from kits, then adult helpers set the rockets on launchers and launched them. Members of the Hoosier Kitefliers Society helped kids construct simple kites with sails made from trash-bag material.
"I think it's nice," said Tami Evans from Daleville, IN. "It's more than I expected. These clubs are things I never even thought about." Her daughter Linley added, "I made a kite, a rocket, and an airplane. I drove cars, too. I liked making the kite."
Control Line (CL) models
Next to the CL cages, members of the US CL Scale team and other volunteers helped kids with make-and-take CL models. Team members lending their expertise included Ralph Burnstine (with wife Maxine and daughter Cathy), Jack Sheeks (and wife Shirley), and Steve Ashby. Fliers used the nearby cage to fly their own models.
"The kids were eager to learn and eager to fly," said Cathy Burnstine. "We hope we got a few kids interested in CL model building."
Model railroad, boats, and cars
In an enclosed tent, the Muncie & Western Model R.R. Club displayed an elaborate railroad layout that drew steady crowds. Radio Control speed boats and sailboats operated on the pond near AMA HQ; observers stood on the shore. Don Peacock (American Model Yachting Association) and Dave Hampton (Indianapolis Admirals RC boating club) appreciated the exposure and out-of-state visitors.
The RC cars had a blacktop racing area with several models and colors for kids to try. Larry Lewis, Vice President of the Muncie Skychiefs, noted there were lots of kids and good weather.
Teachers' Resource Tent
A grass area near the cars hosted the Teachers' Resource Tent, which distributed information on using models as teaching aids for science, math, physics, and language skills. Chris Flack, 11, of Muncie, said, "We've been walking around, and this is really neat. We do anything we think looks fun."
Young Eagles and full-scale flights
In the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) tent, young people signed up for the Young Eagles flight program. Shuttles transported kids from the tent to nearby Reese Airport for rides in one of two full‑scale aircraft piloted by Jay Mealy, Mike Bullock, or Ron Waechter. A total of 70 flights were made during the weekend.
The author participated in the program, flying in a Grumman Cheetah and receiving a certificate signed by pilot Jay Mealy. The pilot explained instrument-panel features, control surfaces, and allowed some hands-on flying—an informative and enjoyable experience.
Third Youth Bass Tournament
Separate from the Grand Event, the Third Youth Bass Tournament was held Friday at the pond in front of AMA HQ. The pond had been stocked with more than 200 Largemouth Bass; sponsors provided beverages, food, reels, and rods. Fishing was scheduled from 5–8 p.m.; the entry fee was $5. There were 51 participants. Dave Norris, AMA Information Systems Manager, organized the event.
A storm forced the tournament to be called at about 6:30 p.m. Before the cancellation, participants caught 18 fish totaling 164.25 inches. The largest single fish measured 10.25 inches.
Winners:
- Class A (Juniors, ages 7 and younger): Jordon McCoy — first place and Big Bass; Coleman Beabout — second place.
- Class B (Seniors, ages 8–13): Ryan Granger — first place; Tyler Reinke — second; Nick Preston — third and Big Bass.
- Class C (Seniors, ages 14–17): Justin Nelson — first place; Ryan Taylor — second; Josh Botts — third and Big Bass.
Manufacturers and vendors
Booths in the manufacturers' tent were shaded and busy. Representatives talked to the public and sold merchandise.
Exhibitors included:
- Ace R/C
- Dave Brown Products
- Four Pi, Inc.
- Futaba Corp.
- Goldberg Models
- Horizon Hobby
- K&B Engines
- Muncie Visitor's Bureau
- Zebra Direct
- Du-Bro (manned by Ed Bojan)
"I can sure see the potential for this event," said Ed Bojan from Chicago. "AMA is finally opening up to all the hobbies. I like to see the instructor and the little guy. I'm looking forward to next year."
Visitors and family reactions
The Gunderman family traveled from Antwerp, OH. Tracy Gunderman said, "We had never been to the museum before. We let the kids experience it." Daughter Nikki, 10, said, "I like to do the cars. I did it three times. I got to launch my rocket, and I've been watching the airplanes." Son Ben added, "I like building stuff. And I like watching them fly the planes." Ron Gunderman called the event "fantastic" and "excellent."
Doug Holland, AMA Executive Vice President, commented, "I haven't seen anyone with a complaint. There are a lot of folks, and a lot of things to do. There are more exhibitors this year." John Wright, Landowner's Relations chairman from the Muncie Visitors Bureau, said, "I think it's super; there's a lot of activity. That's what's neat; it involves the whole family."
AMA membership meeting and closing events
At 4 p.m. Saturday, an AMA membership meeting was held in the dining tent. AMA members, Grand Event volunteers, and exhibitors were invited to a catered cookout that followed, with entertainment by the George Street Connection band at 6:30.
The Grand Event was advertised in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Chicago, and on radio stations such as Muncie oldies station WERK and NPR. Out-of-state advertising paid off: attendees represented 28 states (including Indiana), with 470 out-of-state visitors.
"There's something just about for everyone in modeling," said Bob Vojslavek. "Success is hundreds of kids building, adults flying, and hands-on experience."
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
