On September 12-15, 2024, the Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair celebrated its Silver Anniversary of bringing fun and excitement to electric-powered model aircraft pilots. Noted as the nation’s largest gathering of electric-powered model aircraft and held in the Catskill Mountains in lower New York State in mid-September, the event is based at the Peaceful Valley Campground.
For 2024, the Friday and Saturday NEAT micro seminars returned to the event after a five-year hiatus. A swap area allowed pilots to buy and sell their goodies. Beyond daytime flying at NEAT, indoor and outdoor flying continues into the evening. Joe and Cindy Malinchak organized two nights of indoor flying in the nearby Downsville Central School gym. Of course, countless illuminated aircraft graced the outdoor sky each evening at NEAT.
The NEAT Fair is more than an event at which to fly model aircraft. It has become known for its social experiences and a bit of comedy and hijinks. Evening parties and campfires culminate each day’s activities. These soirees feature unusual themes and costume competitions.
Capping the 2024 NEAT Fair were presentations of AMA District Service Awards to NEAT Fair Contest Director Tom Hunt and the Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island, in recognition of 25 years of leading the event, volunteerism, and friendship, in service to modelers.
Earlier in 2024, AMA posthumously awarded an AMA Fellowship plaque to Walt Throne, as well as the AMA Couples Award to Walt and his wife, Jan. There was no bigger support team for model aviation than Walt and Jan Throne.
Walt and Jan opened their hobby store in November 1975. In that time, the store quickly earned a reputation for supporting local AMA clubs and modelers. Up until his passing, Walt was a key member of AMA’s Ma rket ing and Membership committee.
Walt was a board member and past president of the National Retail Hobby Store Association. He was a recipient of the AMA Vital People Award and an inductee into the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame. We remember and thank both Walt and Jan for all that they did for model aviation.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.