District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
Jay Marsh
Vice President
jaymarsh@ama-d4.org
3227 Pine Needles Rd., High Point NC 27265
Tel.: (336) 687-0973; www.amadistrict-iv.org
www.facebook.com/amadistrictIV
Last December, I presented the quandary of why event participation appeared to be down last year. I have continued to discuss this and want to revisit it and present some ideas and suggestions for this year while we still have a chance to make changes.
So what can we do? First and foremost, you must advertise your event via word of mouth, through personal emails, and flyers either hand-delivered or left at places frequented by modelers such as at neighboring fields. Use every means you can to get the word out early and keep it up until the event. The district’s Facebook page and website will post your event. These are good places to check to find an event to attend, and you have to go to your neighboring club’s events for them to come to yours.
You have to build excitement with your advertising and entice people to attend. This can be done by having something different such as a themed venue or invite a “hero” to attend. People want to be entertained along with flying and eating, so think of some unique things to do and advertise it.
Avoid scheduling conflicts with other events. You can ask our contest coordinators to help decide on a date and choose one with no other nearby events, or coordinate your event schedules with the other clubs in the area. At your club meetings, take a few moments and inform your members when and where upcoming events are happening.
No landing fee! That’s right, make it free to attend. Make up costs with concessions such as food, drinks, and ice cream. Homemade ice cream is always a hit! Hold a 50/50 raffle or raffle off donated prizes. If you have a sanction number, you can ask hobby manufacturers/distributors and hobby shops for items to raffle off and include them in your advertising. You must do this as early as possible, because most companies have a fixed amount of money allocated for such things.
Many brave clubs and modelers make it a point to hold a unique winter event and fly on the first day of the New Year, or hold a flying ski event with the first snow. Here is a report about such an event submitted by Associate Vice President Rusty Kennedy.
On February 4, 2017, the Hampton Roads RC (HRRC) club in Virginia, held its annual Chili Fly. For many years, the HRRC club has held this free event and invites all to attend and enjoy a day of flying, eating, and fellowship.
It is held no matter what the weather is like, and this year was no exception. To say it was cold would be an understatement. The temperature started out at 31°. Approximately 32 brave souls representing several clubs attended.
HRRC club member Henry Cahoon has organized and run the event for many years and it is always a great time. The chili is made by the club members. It ranges from mild to flame-thrower hot, and will quickly warm you up. Many people bring extras like sides and deserts. One person even makes homemade cheesecakes that are to die for. It is always a fun time and I’m looking forward to it next year.
Go fly and have fun safely.
Associate Vice Presidents: Delaware: John Kirchstein, (302)731-2831; john@kirchstein.net; Mark Weiss, (302)547-4917; markw@ama-d4.org; North Carolina: Rick Cawley, (919) 630-1649; racbgc@embarqmail.com; Mark Smith, (704) 798-2776; mark@ama-d4.org; David Trogdon, (910)654-1220; frogman28472@embarqmail.com; Maryland: Richard “Rick” Moreland, (301) 261-7366; moreland1@verizon.net; Virginia: Nic Burhans, (540) 219-9646; nic@ama-d4.org; Randy Elliott, (540) 239-0645; Randy.Elliott@nordsonxaloy.com; Rusty Kennedy, (757) 812-2812; rusty@ama-d4.org; Terry Terrenoire, (412)760-4593; terry@ama-d4.org; FF AVP: Bob Sowder, (540) 525-7086; bsowder@rbnet.com. CL AVP and FF/CL Event Sanction Coordinator: John Tate, 10 Hanbury Ave., Portsmouth VA 23702; (757) 399-5376; jtate22@cox.net. Event Sanction Coordinator: Andy Kane, 305 Natick Ct., Silver Spring MD 20905; (301) 785-3022; andykane01@gmail.com. Webmaster: Jack Upchurch, webmaster@ama-d4.org. Government Relations Coordinator: Ray Stinchcomb, (443) 618-8998; govrelations@ama-d4.org.
