AMA News: District V-2007/12
Our final Jamboree of the 2007 season was hosted by the North Alabama Radio Control Association (NARCA) near Huntsville, Alabama. Ernie Duffy served as organizer and event director, and he enlisted a great group of club members to put on the Jamboree.
Publicity and attendance
The club made a strong effort to reach the neighboring community. A local TV station filmed the event on Saturday and aired the segment that night. Prior to the Jamboree, the club was also featured on a TV program and received coverage in the local paper and on radio. The publicity resulted in a large group of spectators.
NARCA invited the local control-line (CL) club to participate; roughly 20 pilots and newcomers showed up and enjoyed flying CL models all day.
Field and family activities
The field is a small, full-scale grass strip leased by the club. NARCA maintains a good relationship with the site owner, who even brought a homemade "train" pulled by his tractor and gave children rides around the site all day.
Demonstrations
During the noon demonstrations, local modelers showcased a wide variety of aircraft, from giant-scale aerobatic models to large sailplanes and a scale helicopter. The event attracted all types of models, and organizers even staged a candy drop for the kids.
Food and fellowship
The day concluded with a wonderful on-site chicken barbecue prepared by a local company that competes in national barbecue events. The food was excellent, and attendees enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie.
Donations and community support
NARCA donated roughly half of the Jamboree's profits to local nonprofit organizations. Beneficiaries included:
- Boy Scouts of America Troop 384
- Civil Air Patrol, Cadet Squadron #119
- Harvest Volunteer Fire Department
When we started the Jamboree we wanted to benefit local community organizations, and we were pleased to have done so. Great job, NARCA!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
