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 a weekend gathering that was new, innovative, and fun, representing all segments of the outdoor modeling industry in a free, hands-on exposition for visitors.
Support and sponsors
Through the generous support of many industry leaders, the event expanded to include free make-and-take items for youngsters and a large 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 continues 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 volunteer efforts
The Grand Event includes model car and boat activities, but not every flying site has a car track or boat pond available. ERCMAC did not have a pond, so its members dug in—literally—and built a temporary boat pond. Anybody interested in doing this should stop by Jack Charlier Field in Evansville and talk with ERCMAC members; they will gladly share their experience. Compared to the pond, building the car track was child's play.
While at the field, say hello to club member Bill Kleinhans. His AMA number is 101 (numbers 1 through 100 are reserved for AMA presidents).
All of the club's hard work paid off: the weather was beautiful during the three days, and the event attracted a large crowd.
Attendance and activities
- More than 2,800 people attended from at least eight different states (including visitors from Iowa, where the event was held in 2003).
- 825 individuals received a first-time RC flight using a buddy box.
- All airplanes were intact when the event ended Sunday afternoon – there wasn't even a broken propeller.
- 600 rockets were built and launched.
- The Hoosier Kitefliers Society provided 450 kites for visitors to assemble and fly.
- 557 participants took boats out on the temporary pond.
- RC car racing entertained likely future NASCAR drivers.
Demonstrations and exhibits
The Show Me Air Kings, one of AMA's air-show teams, performed Saturday after venturing to Evansville from Missouri. ERCMAC member Mike Fuller demonstrated proficient piloting with Jack Mathias's turbine-powered jet. International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA) President Ron Kummer followed with a helicopter demonstration.
Ron was impressed by the number of members of the general public who attended—especially the youth—and believes all of AMA's Special Interest Groups (SIGs) should participate or at least exhibit at the event. It is an excellent opportunity to meet people and spark interest in future modelers.
Door prizes and giveaways
By attending the event, the public had chances to win many door prizes generously donated by model manufacturers and local hobby shops. Some of the main attractions were a 27-inch color television and two Hobbico Yard Stik park flyers, complete with radios. In addition, ERCMAC offered to donate flight instruction.
A few anecdotes from prize winners:
- The lucky winner of the television squeezed the prize into an already crowded vehicle and managed to take all passengers along.
- One Yard Stik winner arrived on a motorcycle, rode home to fetch his car, and returned with the model.
- A female attendee who won the second Yard Stik exclaimed, "Happy Father's Day, dad," as she left with her prize.
Acknowledgments
AMA thanks ERCMAC, its members, and all other volunteers—modeling and nonmodeling—for hosting the event and for their dedication. On behalf of ERCMAC, special appreciation goes to Jack Charlier, who donated the property for the flying field and allowed use of adjoining property for this event. The site was dedicated in his name in 1998.
Next year's host
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.
Ilona Maine Bill Oberdieck
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
