When the American Airlines Gas Model Club of Parma approached Bev Patterson to host a late-night Midnight Madness Flying session, they fired up their model planes to show her what they could do. "The first time I saw it, I was in awe," says Patterson, general manager of the Sports Dome.
Each plane runs by either remote control or rubber band, and is safety-certified by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. "One guy has a plane that looks like a bird, and its wings flap up and down," says Patterson. "Some planes can do tricks. It's like a whole world I never knew existed." Flying happens 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday at the Sports Dome, 6060 West Canal Road in Valley View. It's $15 to fly, $1 to watch; call 216-447-7878. -- Cris Glaser
Drug-Free Dribblers
There's little ball-bustin' at D.A.R.E.'s hoops tourney.
SAT 3/19
Fuad Shoman's pretty damn lucky. An outreach worker for the City of Lakewood's D.A.R.E. Special Operations Unit, he gets to shoot hoops with kids while teaching them a thing or two about discipline. At Saturday's D.A.R.E. Basketball Tournament, which Shoman leads, "there are no politics or hidden agendas anywhere," he says. "All the elementary schools in the city are involved, and it becomes a community event." Squads from 10 elementary schools compete in the annual event. Says Shoman, "Expect to see typical basketball games in progress, but with a lot more energy." Game time is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Emerson Middle School, 13439 Clifton Boulevard in Lakewood. Admission is free; call 216-529-6780. -- Lucy McKernan
Carrion Call
SUN 3/20
At Buzzard Sunday, folks will gather to celebrate the annual return of the vultures. And even though you might need to bundle up to enjoy the buzzard-related crafts, music, and storytelling, the birds' return usually means warmer weather is on the way. Official buzzard spotter Bob Hinkle will be on hand, pointing out buzzards to curious birdwatchers. Less adventurous types might want to stick to the caged birds that the zoo is shipping in. The free homecoming party happens from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hinckley Reservation's Buzzard Roost (at the corner of State Road and West Drive in Hinckley Township); call 216-351-6300. -- Matt Leavitt
