District IX - 2011/06

June 2011 149
GARETT HULTGREN, president of the
Rocky Mountain Modeleers (RMM),
submits this report about the swap meet the
club held. Perhaps your club might try to
sponsor such an event.
“The event was good—considering this
was our first time hosting such a gathering, I
feel the turnout was excellent. We had 26
sellers and a lot of buyer traffic.
“Sellers came from several clubs in the
Denver area including Arvada, Jefco, and
the RC Eagles, as well as from RMM, Love-
Air RC, and the Longmont clubs. Some of
the first people to arrive in the morning were
from as far away as Colorado Springs.
“The meet was held at a community
building at the Larimer County Fairgrounds
complex. The use of the building is free to
all nonprofit groups.
“This year, we reserved two large
meeting rooms, which quickly filled up! We
had to expand outdoors for a few remaining
tables. We already have plans for next year
and hope to reserve the large exhibit hall in
the same building. This will give us much
more room. I hope this event will continue
to grow each year as I feel we need more of
these kinds of functions in our area.
“We were able to coordinate with our
local HobbyTown USA to come out and set
up a booth to sell items at discount to the
attendees as well. The company has been
very supportive of our club and I hope it
continues to support this event in the coming
years. Next year we hope to increase
attendance by increasing space and offering
door prizes to all who register to sell.
“It took minimal effort to put the event
together and the club made a little money to
buy a new club trainer. Lots of items were
sold and everyone enjoyed the day.”
The Rocky Mountain Modeleers checking
out their stuff.
At a swap meet, one man’s junk is another
man’s treasure.
Kids love to look over swap items as well.
During the winter months when flying is
difficult because of the weather, nonflying
events such as mall shows are popular and
generate some new interest with the public.
The Grand Island Modelers Club of
Nebraska had its annual mall show that was
a resounding success according to Jim
Stulken, club president. Spectator interest
was high and there were more than $300,000
worth of models displayed.
Great looking aircraft were displayed at the
Grand Island mall show!
Darrell Watts, one of our best proponents
of float flying, is having his Heart of
America Float Fly in Kansas. He usually
draws quite a few water-fearless pilots from
surrounding states to attend the event.
There is generally a good supply of ¼-
scale models. Models you might see include
an Anderson Kingfisher, a Sopwith Pup
(shown in the photo), and possibly a ¼-scale
Aereonca Champ and ¼-scale Maule
Rocket. These are all from the Michigan
attendees.
A 9-foot Decathlon, a Seawind, two
Spectra IIs, a 68-inch Super Stearman, a
large Cessna Skymaster, a 96-inch Fly Baby,
and possibly a Balsa USA Phaton 90 will
likely make an appearance, too. Darrell
plans to have his 101/2-foot Otter and his old
Eindecker there.
Darrel Watts owns this great-looking aircraft
on water skis!
Jim Wallen
Vice President
7322 W. 82nd
Way
Arvada CO 80003
Tel.: (303) 421-
9061
www.amadistrictix.
org
Associate Vice
Presidents
Steve Culver, Omaha NE;
[email protected]
Zac Heskin, Garrison ND;
[email protected]
Fred Hildebrand, Casper WY;
[email protected]
Bruce Ream, Highlands Ranch
CO; [email protected]
Brenda Schuette, Auburn KS;
[email protected]
Mike Tallman, Wichita KS;
[email protected]
Jim Tiller, Rapid City SD;
[email protected]
Webmaster: Norm Berger,
[email protected]
Contest Coordinator:
Mac Strader, Overland Park KS;
[email protected]
District IX Volunteers
District IX
Jim Wallen, District IX Vice President; [email protected]
Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Club Corner
I have seen several clubs in District IX put on a “clean out your workshop” event.
Have all your club members round up items from their workshops they no longer
want or need and donate it to their club. The club holds an auction and gets all the
proceeds.
It helps clean up your messes, creates a fun social event, and puts a few extra
bucks in the club treasury. Give it some thought!
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