A Message from Rob: You all know how much I want the Imagination Celebration to remain a tradition as long as there's a NARAM.  Toward that end, I'm pleased to announce that Mr. Doug Hillson will be organizing this year's event.  He has been an enthusiastic supporter and participant since the first Celebration, and has great ideas for new judging categories and show elements that will help maintain the vitality of the event.  Infusing youthful energy such as his is the best way to ensure the Celebration's longevity, and I know he'll give you all a great time out there in Phoenix!

Entry

To enter, fill out a flight card along with some information about your rocket for the MC to read and give it to Doug Hillson by Thursday night. Then show up at approximately 7:45am on Friday with your rocket.
 

Procedure

Voting ballots will be handed out to everyone registered at NARAM who attends the Imagination Celebration. Spectators will select their top three choices and determine three overall winners.

In addition judges will award winners in the categories of:
 

Autorotation - Any entry that includes the use of autorotation will be eligible for this award.

Multi-Glide - Any entry that includes multiple gliding portions is eligible

3-Stage - Any entry that involves three components staged in series is eligible.

Remember, these categories aren't meant to constrain you, they're meant to inspire you.  In particular, there's nothing stopping you from creating entries that are eligible for two or more of the categories, and doubling, tripling or quadrupling your chance of receiving an award! Also, this year's show will include a mass participation finale, open to as many NARAM fliers as are willing:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Drag Race Finale

The last flight of the Imagination Celebration will be a drag race of as many rockets as possible. Models flown for this won't be eligible for judging and must not be a cluster.
 

Rules and Judging Criteria

The traditional Imagination Celebration rules apply in all award categories:

The Imagination Celebration is for; entries that include at least one flying model, which shall be subject to all safety rules imposed by the range safety officer at the NARAM sport range, and must be legal to be flown during periods with no HPR waiver.

The object is to use all the technologies of model rocketry to produce motion, shapes, light, sound and color in the sky in a manner pleasing or otherwise emotionally moving to human observers on the ground. You might say you are trying to create a sky show, or perhaps sky art. You will be judged in three criteria:

Size/Visual Impact - How visible is it? Does it jump out at the viewer or do  you have to squint to see it?

Showmanship/Artfullness - Is it exciting? Is it beautiful? Does it elicit emotion, sensation, entertainment or humor?

Originality - Was it obvious?

Photo Credits:

Top Photo - Thanksgiving Turkey Rocket by Bob (Gila Monster) Heninger

Bottom Photo - Happy Birthday Party Napkin Rocket of the Apocalypse by Team Vatsaas