One might guess from the name, Mercer County Radio Control Society, that members of the club fly model airplanes. And that would be correct, but it’s only part of the story. While we love to build and fly model airplanes, we’re also a service club. We feel a mission to give back to the communities in which we work, play, and live.

The annual Dreamlift starts with a morning of festivities at the National Guard hangar at Trenton-Mercer airport. In addition to what appears to be most of the central Jersey police and fire forces, a nearly complete cast of Disney characters patrols the event. To be sure, Mickey and Minnie are prominent. But usually characters from Star Wars and from other entertainment franchises can be seen as well.

Since it began supporting the Foundation’s Dreamlift, our club has contributed well over $30,000 to the effort. The club raises money for its donation primarily through food sales at its giant-scale model air show, the Jumbo Jamboree. Held every year on Memorial Day Weekend at the club’s field on the edge of Assunpink Lake, the air show features radio-controlled flying models, most with wingspans exceeding 80 inches.

Dates for this year's air show are listed on the homepage. The public is invited to attend. Admission and parking are free. Signs directing attendees to the field will lead from Exit 11 of highway I-195. The field, about two miles north from the exit, is in Assunpink Wildlife Management Area on the edge of Assunpink Lake. Flying will begin each day at 9:00 AM and will continue through early afternoon on Sunday. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are available at the field. Proceeds from food sales and donations collected at the Jumbo Jamboree event help to fund our annual contribution to the Sunshine Foundation.