MONTICELLO, Ill. (WAND) — If you were in Monticello Saturday, you probably heard the sound of planes in the air all day. Those sounds came from the Horizon Hobby RC Fest, where hundreds of people came out to watch the event.
RC planes, RC cars and competitions filled the field all day at Horizon Fest. Many people came out not only to observe, but to get a chance to operate the RC vehicles themselves.
Horizon Pilot David Paynes said he loves being able to show people what RC operating is all about.
"We get to share it with the community and let them experience it," Paynes said. "We have areas where they can actually put their hands on it, they can try an airplane, they can try a car. They can enjoy it with us and then come into the hobby shop and enjoy it there too."
The event also gave people a chance to show off their love for RC vehicles. Jay Tee drove all the way from Atlanta, Georgia, just to be at this event and show off his collection of RC cars.
"I've been doing it for a good minute," Tee said. "I got involved back in the 80s with my first car, and I've been hooked ever since."
RC vehicles are Tee's passion — and his collection proves it. He said he owns a couple hundred cars.
For Tj Williams, this event was about more than just the RC vehicles, it was a chance to connect and meet new people who share the same passion.
"It's the connection," Williams said. "It's getting out of the house and finding somebody to take a tiny truck out in the woods and drive it between some trees — grabbing a buddy and learning why and how the airplanes fly, or why they're not working."
Williams says even if you missed the event, you won't want to miss the next opportunity to experience something like this.
"Everybody's here right now," Williams said. "And if you're not, you should be, put it on the calendar for next year."
If you would like to learn more about RC Fest or the hobby shop in Monticello, visit their website.
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