Each Christmas season, Jack Carrollton of Merrillville chooses gifts for his grandsons that they can play together.
“They have enough of those video games and weird movies,” he said at the recent Remote Control Air Show at Jean Shepherd Center in Hammond, which he attended with grandsons Ian, 8, and Trent, 10. “I used to be into making and flying these hobby airplanes, and I think the boys could get interested in them too. It’s a great hobby.”
Dozens of like-minded area residents were in attendance at the eighth annual show.
“There’s not a lot of things like this in Indiana. Most of the airplane hobby clubs are in Illinois,” said Larry Paddington of Hammond. “When I heard about this (event) I had to come. This used to be a hobby for me when I was a kid.”
Paddington’s two daughters, Chelsa, 5, and Chrissy, 7, took an interest in many of the models displayed on the tables, and watched in awe as some were flown in the gymnasium.
“I like this little one, with the colored lights,” Chrissy said, as she tried to keep track of the small plane whizzing above her head. “Dad said we could maybe make one like it.”
Hammond brothers Jeremy Morris, 6, and Jamal Morris, 8, arrived early with their dad, Jermaine Morris.
“We’ve been to an air show outside, but not inside like this,” Jamal said. “These planes are smaller and we can see them better.”
Hobbyist Tony Mataitas of Homer Glen, Ill., belongs to The Midwest Sundowners RC Flying Club and the Joliet Remote Control Airplane Club. He started a popular tradition at the yearly air show event — a candy drop.
During a break in this year’s inside activities, Mataitas carried his 4-foot remote-controlled airplane outside the building, with a group of children trailing behind.
After filling the center of the airplane with candy wrapped in miniature parachutes, he flew it high into the air above a crowd of more than a dozen children waiting patiently below. As the chutes opened, the kids rushed to catch their bounty.
“This is great for the kids to be outdoors. Before we came here, my son never even heard of remote-control airplanes,” said Nila Hartman of Hammond, as she watched her son Nat, 7, running for the candy with the other children. “I have a feeling that he’s becoming interested — he asked a lot of questions with many of the guys here.”
In addition to the air show, another event was scheduled at Jean Shepherd Center on the same day — the Hammond Youth Hoops basketball signup in an adjacent room.
More Top Picks Best Premium Smart Kettles With Temperature Control
Many of the families there weren’t aware of the air show in the gymnasium but decided to stop in after their sign-up was completed.
“Kids today need to know there are so many hobbies out there,” said Hammond mom Janie Long, as she entered the gym and saw planes in the air. “Outdoor sports are great, but they need something to do inside too. These flying planes may just get their attention.”
For more information about the Midwest Sundowners RC Flying Club: 219-663-5866 or www.midwestsundowners.com.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.