Photo by Dwayne Black Vince LaPorte assists one of youngsters with controlling a drone attending the model airplane show Saturday at the Marshall Area YMCA. I

MARSHALL — Saturday’s model airplane show at the Marshall Area YMCA brought together model plane pilots from around southwest Minnesota, South Dakota and Northwest Iowa. But you didn’t have to be a pilot to check out the planes, or join in the fun.

Members of the Marshall R/C Club said a good number of area residents visited the show at the Y.

“It’s a nice venue. A lot of families come and go on Saturday,” said Vince LaPorte.

LaPorte said about 15 pilots brought a variety of model airplanes to Marshall on Saturday. The show usually brings together model plane enthusiasts from groups in the South Dakota, Marshall and Redwood Falls areas.

“Some planes are made from scratch,” and built from balsa wood and plans, LaPorte said. Another major style of model plane is prefabricated from foam, he said.

“So there are two different parts to the hobby now,” he said.

Besides giving out awards in five different categories, the show also featured events like drone games for kids, and a computerized flight simulator. The simulator was a big hit with visitors, LaPorte said.

“Kids are excited by model aviation,” he said.

2024 award winners

Best Scale Plane: Eric Van Leeuwe of Ghent, Beech 18

Best Iron On Covering: Don Van Voorst of Sioux Center, Iowa, Phaeton II

Best Sport Plane: Dennis Brockberg of Marshall, Stinger 120

Best Paint Job: Bob Deming of Fairfax, Top Flite B-25

Best of Show: Bob Deming of Fairfax, Top Flite B-25