The Houston chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS-Houston) presents ModelMania 2008, the Houston area’s largest plastic model show and contest, on Saturday, April 5, 2008. The event will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Stafford Center, 10505 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77017. For more information, call Pete Fantasia at (281) 992-2328.

Model builders from across Texas, Louisiana, and beyond will display their creations in the model contest. Vendors from around the region will offer for sale model kits, accessories, books, and other items of interest to modelers. In addition, there will be many modeling technique demonstrations. There will also be make'n'take sessions where children will build models which they can keep.

The model contest includes 75 categories and 13 specialty awards for automotive, aircraft, ships, military, space, sci-fi, figure, and other models. The theme of this year’s ModelMania is “The Lighter Side of Modeling”. The contest is open to the public, and entry fees are: Adult (18 & over) $10 for the first model and $2 for each additional entry; Junior (12-17) $5 for the first model and $1 for each additional entry; and Beginners (11 and under) $1 per entry. The public is welcome, and general admission fees are $5 for adults, children 6-17 are $2, and under-6 free.