Groups of CL enthusiasts turned out on New Year's Day for traditional fun-fly events that celebrated the beginning of 2026 in Portland, Ore., and in Richmond, B.C.

In Portland it was Oregon Flying Fun No. 1, hosted by the Northwest Fireballs, which was the first in a series of traditional Oregon winter fun sessions. (See Where the Action Is for details of the upcoming events.

In Richmond, fliers from the Vancouver Gas Model Club gathered for the annual Polar Bear Fun Fly. See report below.

Here are reports from the clubs on the activities:

Oregon Flying Fun No. 1

By Barbara White

Fliers who greeted the new year with control-line flights in Portland. From left: Leighton Mangels, Kristen Brown, Doug Powers, Roy DeCamara, Don Curry, Jim Cameron, Terrence Bardue, Jess Walls. Barbara White photos

Nine fliers braved a light drizzle (almost 40F, no wind) at The Jim Walker Flying Field, Delta Park, Portland, on January 1st, 2026, for Fun Fly #1.

First up was Jess Walls, trailing a red streamer behind his Brodak P51.  irst flight on this plane. Doug Powers flew next, followed by Kristen Brown. She’s been working massive amounts of overtime so her first flight in three months. Fine flight, excellent landing. Leighton Mangels also flew, his recently built, slightly modified Oriental. 

We arrived and started flying at 10:00 a.m. As the rain crept closer, flying wrapped up by 11 and the group retired to the alternate flying site at Denny’s on Hayden Island (joined there by Gary Harris). 

Excellent way to start the new year.

More Portland photos

Doug Powers holds a plane in the pits.

Kristen Brown makes a flight.

Leighton Mangels carries a plane to the circle.

Leighton Mangels flies.

Jess Walls tows a long streamer.

Polar Bear Fun Fly photos

A foggy day at Rice Mill Road. Chris Cox photos

Mel Lyne starts an engine as Dennis Cousineau holds.

James Cox flies a pink Ringmaster.

James Cox's Ringmaster.

Glen Little flies his Tutor.

Ava Cox has a little fun with her RC car between flights.