MANITOWANING—The buzzing hum of electric motors mingled with the excited laughter of children filled the Assiginack Arena floor as dozens of small radio-controlled vehicles clambered over obstacle courses, raced against each other and competed in “drag races.”
The Saturday morning diversion was the brainchild of Judith Jones who was looking for something for her grandchildren and their friends to do.
“What else is there really in April?” smiled Ms. Jones as she surveyed the pandemonium around her in the iceless hockey rink. Ms. Jones noted that she got the idea for the RCC rally from her grandchild. “We have a driving course, an obstacle course and down there is the free for all area,” she said. “I am hoping this is going to be an annual event.”
“This is my first community event,” said Assiginack Recreation Director Kelly Ranta, who was running the concession booth alongside volunteer Deborah Grant. Ms. Ranta has taken over her role with the municipality from Jackie White admitting she has big shoes to fill. “Don’t I know it,” she laughs.
The event attracted vendor Doc’s Hobby Shop out of Sudbury. The shop’s RC tech Rob Peterson and two other employees were on hand to help out budding enthusiasts and explain what is available in the fast-growing hobby. Along with the expertise and advice, the shop brought along a host of radio-controlled cars, motorcycles (complete with model drivers), boats, airplanes and helicopters—even a drone.
“I am the prime person who works on the RC cars, I have over 30-plus myself,” said Rob Peterson who was working with Nimkii Lavell (your wilderness pal) who described himself as an RC elder statesman. “Although there are about 40 years in between,” he laughs, having recently taken up the hobby again.
Mr. Peterson goes to about three or four events across Ontario each year to promote the hobby. “I will go pretty much anywhere,” he said. Mr. Peterson said he has seen a huge increase in the number of people taking up the sport.
Enthusiast Darryl Ense of M’Chigeeng was on hand with eight of his own model cars, including one bedecked with the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service logo. “I just went in and asked if they had any stickers with the logo on it,” he said, noting the police service was happy to oblige.
Judging from the excitement and laughter of the children taking part in the event (and adults too) Ms. Jones’ hope that the event will become an annual April diversion will likely come to fruition.