May 16, 2026 | Eagle River Derby Convention Hall | Eagle River, Wisconsin
The IPMS “Spring in the Pines” Annual Contest and Swap Meet returns on Saturday, May 16, 2026, bringing scale modelers together in Eagle River, Wisconsin for a day of contest entries, swap meet finds, and hobby community.
Hosted by IPMS/Northwoods Scale Model Phanatics, the event will take place at the Eagle River Derby Convention Hall, located at 1311 N. Railroad St., Eagle River, WI 54521. The show runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT.
A NORTHWOODS MODELING TRADITION
“Spring in the Pines” gives builders a chance to gather, compete, trade, shop, and connect with fellow modelers from across Wisconsin and the Midwest.
Whether you are entering a finished build, searching the swap meet tables, or simply looking for new ideas for your next project, this annual event offers a welcoming space for modelers of all experience levels.
Attendees can expect a strong mix of hobby activity, including:
Scale model contest entries
Swap meet tables
Opportunities to buy, sell, and trade
Modeling conversations and community
Inspiration for future builds
From armor and aircraft to vehicles, ships, figures, sci-fi, and dioramas, events like “Spring in the Pines” are a great way to see what other builders are working on and bring fresh ideas back to your own bench.
HOSTED BY IPMS/NORTHWOODS SCALE MODEL PHANATICS
This year’s contest and swap meet is hosted by Northwoods Scale Model Phanatics, the IPMS/USA chapter supporting modelers in the Eagle River area and surrounding region.
The group helps bring hobbyists together through competition, conversation, and shared enthusiasm for scale modeling. For modelers in northern Wisconsin and the greater Midwest, “Spring in the Pines” is a strong opportunity to support the local modeling community while enjoying a full day of hobby-focused activity.
For event-specific questions, the contest chairperson is Tom Foerster.
Email: foerstertm@yahoo.com
Phone: 715-479-4988
SWAP MEET FINDS, CONTEST INSPIRATION, AND WORKBENCH IDEAS
One of the best parts of a contest and swap meet is the chance to discover something unexpected. Whether it is a kit you have been hunting for, extra parts for a future project, tools, references, or supplies, shows like “Spring in the Pines” are perfect for finding new additions to your stash.
For modelers preparing before or after the show, AFVHobbyHub.com remains a trusted source for:
Scale model kits across armor, aircraft, naval, automotive, sci-fi, and more
Paints, weathering products, and finishing supplies
Tools and accessories for builders of all skill levels
Diorama materials, detail parts, and project essentials
Whether you are building for the contest table, upgrading your workbench, or planning your next project after seeing what other modelers bring to Eagle River, AFVHobbyHub.com helps keep your hobby plans moving.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Event: “Spring in the Pines” Annual Contest and Swap Meet
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT
Location: Eagle River Derby Convention Hall
Address: 1311 N. Railroad St., Eagle River, WI 54521
Host: IPMS/Northwoods Scale Model Phanatics
Contest Chairperson: Tom Foerster
Email: foerstertm@yahoo.com
Phone: 715-479-4988
“Spring in the Pines” promises a full day of modeling, swapping, competition, and community in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Whether you are attending to compete, browse, buy, sell, trade, or simply enjoy the hobby, this annual Northwoods event is worth adding to your May modeling calendar.
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