ESTEVAN — A great return. After two non-counting years, the annual Estevan Model Engineering Show is coming back to the Wylie-Mitchell Hall on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Oct. 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The best time to stop by the Estevan Model Engineering show is Saturday morning, as some participants only stay for one day, and Sunday usually sees fewer exhibitors.
The oldest event of its kind in North America, it will celebrate its 33rd anniversary this year.
Kelly Tytlandsvik, who's been building various models since childhood and organizing the event since its inception, said they are very happy to be back and have the show again. The event promises to have a lot of interesting, unique builds, with participants coming from all over Canada and the U.S.
"We hope to get around 40-ish exhibitors, but I never know until that day. I'm expecting people from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota," Tytlandsvik said.
There should be five builders from the area, and others will be travelling here. Now that the border restrictions are lifted, it will be easier for American engineers to come to Estevan for the show.
There will be a good chance to see many fresh projects, which could have been created during lockdown times, but Tytlandsvik said that until everyone is down and set up with their displays, he wouldn't know what the show will bring.
"The show I was at not long ago at Rapid City [South Dakota], there were some new engines out there guys had built during COVID because they were stuck at home. So it's good to see,"
Tytlandsvik noted that the Estevan show attracts different builders than the Rapid City one, so even if someone made it to South Dakota recently, they still should come over as there will be a different group participating.
Estevan guests can expect to see some hand-built operating miniature gas engines and steam engines, as well as some locomotives, tractors and more. Besides, there have been a lot of changes in the world of model engineering. Computer-controlled equipment is coming into the equation more now with some younger people getting involved. The 3D-printing is more widespread too and more utilized, and Tytlandsvik said the show will have displays demonstrating the progress and recent advancement.
Participants often come with their wives, who also have their hobbies, such as quilting, knitting, painting, geological items, antique sewing machines and more, on display during the show.
Over the years, the group of builders has turned into almost like an extended family that stays in touch virtually to share their hobby and ideas, and sometimes visits each other when travelling. Participants were separated over the COVID years due to restrictions but managed to stay engaged.
"We are a tight-knit group because it's such a unique hobby. We all keep in touch with each other through email or text or whatever to see if anybody's got any ideas about something or just to stop by and say hello. If we are travelling, we'll stop in at somebody's place and visit for a little bit. Everybody sticks together. We did lose a few during the COVID years, which is sad, but hopefully, we gain a few new people at the show as well. And I do have a couple of new people coming already that I know of," Tytlandsvik said.
They did hold a Zoom meeting last winter to update each other and keep the connection, but Tytlandsvik said it still wasn't as exciting as having a real show.
"In person is the way to go," Tytlandsvik said.
In over three decades of its existence, the Estevan Model Engineering Show grew significantly. They used to be a one-day event hosted in the hallway of the former Estevan Shoppers Mall. They then switched to two days before finally moving to Wylie Mitchell Hall. They are now more than double what they were at the mall.
"Every year I've had a couple of new members. It's crazy how it goes, but that's what the show is all about so that people would be exposed to the hobby. Somebody new who's just starting out, can come to the show and see what somebody else is doing. Maybe he needs some material or needs a little advice or something and he can talk to people. The camaraderie amongst the model builders is very good," Tytlandsvik shared.
The exhibitors and their wives also get together on Saturday after the show for a supper at the legion.
There is no charge to exhibitors to participate and just a small admission for guests, so Tytlandsvik said that he is grateful for the support he receives from the sponsors, which helps him with building rent and other associated expenses.
"I'm really grateful to Hank's Maintenance, Frosty's Motorcycle, The Divide County Historical Society and Joey's Place in Crosby, North Dakota, for helping with the show," Tytlandsvik said.
This year admission to the event is by donation.
