Sig Contest Cancelled

[Mike Anderson]

I'm passing on an email I just received:


We received the following this morning from Mike Gretz:

Our owner Chris LeHeron...was here last week, and I'm afraid I have bad news.

Both the SIG RC FLY-IN and SIG CL CONTEST will not be held in 2009 due to economic conditions and declining attendence at both events over the past 3 years. I know it's disappointing to end a long traditional contest, but I'm not surprised at Chris' decision. High gas prices have been taking their toll on attendance the past couple years.

I will surely miss hosting all my good friends at SIG Field. Perhaps we can pick it up again in 2010. Let's all hope for a better economic future.

Best regards,
Mike

This is horrible news for those of us in the Midwest. The Sig contest is the crown jewel of the area. I know Chris Leheron couldn't have made this decision lightly.

Let's hope things turn around quickly and we can do it again in 2010. Contest season this year just isn't going to be the same without a trip to Montezuma.

[Allen Goff]

W H A T   I F ..................?
 
Mike, just suppose the burden dollars were taken out of the event, ie, awards, lunch.....  I think most of us would come just for the fellowship and the fun of flying. What a sad thought, no Sig this year.
I'm sure there are other ideas out there. Thanks for your ear.

Blessings
Allen

[Dennis Vander Kuur]

Allen,
For me the SIG contest has always been a great gathering of friends and a fun time. This cancellation woke me up to the fact that the SIG contest differs from most others in that it is put on by a commercial company instead of a model club. Club contests are typically run by unpaid volunteers. I may be wrong but I assume that all or some SIG employees are paid for their work at the contest. I'm sure the cost of their wages (including overtime pay for Saturday/Sunday work) is much more than the cost of the trophies or food.
Hopefully the economics for SIG will change in the future so we can once again have fun in Montezuma.
Dennis

[wwwarbird]

 Even though I haven't actually competed at the Sig C/L contest, this is a MAJOR bummer for me. I still have a lump in my throat after finding out yesterday. I have found the Sig contest to be the highlight of my flying season and made it a DO NOT MISS annual on my schedule. A GREAT time with, for me, a rare chance to see many C/L friends at wonderful setting with a laid back contest atmosphere. Looking forward to this contest is one of the things that helps us "Midwesterners" get through the winter. I know many of my fellow "Piston Popper" club members will feel the same way. Hopefully there is actually some sincere thought from the "Honcho's" of reviving this event, and someone has the foresight to keep the sanctioning dates available for 2010 and way beyond. Thanks a ton to Mike Gretz and all others who were involved in organizing and running the prior events, and I've got my pen ready to mark in 2010!

[RC Storick]

I wonder if its possible to have the contest anyway with out the factory support. Some of the clubs get together and put up some trophy's. We can have a barbecue, Kind of a in house deal. As mentioned I am sure its costs Sig a ton to have that contest. But to miss that contest will be a huge disappointment. Lets see if we can get something going. I know some of you have ideas?

Mike reads this board and we can call the factory. Can we get a CD volunteer? Could we pull this off?

[Allen Goff]

Most contest have help (judges) from the people who come to compete. Robert has a good idea, lets have our own cookout, no expense to Sig. Maybe take donations to have the grass cut and anything else that requires $$$$$$$$$. If Sig would have there sales trailer there, I would buy from it, I did last year. Count Roger W. and Allen G. to the donation list. What do you say Mike? Just anther thought.

Blessings
Allen

[wwwarbird]

 Sparky and Allen have the right idea!

[Mike Anderson]

On a related note, some of you may know that Maxey Hester has been seriously ill (leukemia) - Mike G. called this morning to inform us that Maxey passed away last night.

[rustler]

When it comes to saving on trophies, consider certificates. Easily cobbled together on computer these days. We had some pretty spiffy ones at Woburn '07, all signed by the Duchess of Bedford.

[EddyR]

I do not live where I can attend this contest but there is very little cost to putting on a contest if you do it yourself. For $100 you can get the AMA coverage and give out certificates in $3 8x10 frame instead of trophies. Have some one buy sandwiches and then have all who want to eat give a donation.  Trophies are the big expense. Anyone who is a CD can do the entire thing. Keep the date the same so as to not cause conflicts.
Ed

[Mike Anderson]

There is more 'cost' involved than just the dollars that go to trophies - let's give Mike G. a chance to catch his breath and consider how best to proceed.

BTW, Maxie's funeral is Saturday morning.

[Richard Grogan]

Sorry to hear about Maxey. What a terrible way to leave... must be very hard on the family.

[john e. holliday]

So sad to hear of Maxie's passing.  He was quite a gentleman.  DOC Holliday

[EddyR]

The only true expense you have is the AMA sanction coverage and that is less than $60. Turn the entry fee back to the winners.
 At Huntersville we put the food on a donation basis and we end up making money on it.We don't make the food, we buy it and some members  make cookies. We have considered making entry fee a donation. We are controlled by a parks committee and it is almost impossible to charge for anything. Hope it works out for you.
Ed