FORT COLLINS, Colorado USA — Timothy David dreams of being an astronaut.

The Fort Collins 9-year-old settled Friday for firing his model rocket into space over The Ranch at the Larimer County Fair. He was one of nearly 30 4-H rocket builders who participated in rocket fly day.

Winners of eight divisions - divided by age and rocket experience - moved on to the Colorado State Fair.

It's Timothy's first year in 4-H and first year with rockets. After stuffing his green and gold rocket with a parachute and other essentials for flight, he slid his rocket onto a thin rod protruding from the launch pad and walked about 15 feet to a table where a

Photo: V. Richard Haro/The Coloradoan Joshua Misek, 14, launches a rocket Friday morning at The Ranch. The 4-H Club held a model rocket launching competition, with winners qualifying for the state fair. Click to enlarge

"Sky is clear of low flying aircrafts," Timothy called out, his finger resting on the launch button. “Recovery team ready? Five, four, three, two, one.”

With a hiss, a whoosh and a waft of sulfur, his rocket shot skyward, popping a parachute as it reached its pinnacle and began its descent. It landed a short 12 yards from the launch pad.

Participants were judged on rocket construction, how stable their rocket was in the air, whether the parachute deployed, how close the rocket landed to the launch pad and, of course, safety.

“Range safety is one of the most important things with these kids,” said judge Phil Rouse. “This is an accident waiting to happen, and we want to make sure we don’t have any accidents out here.”

Rocketry attracted Justin Wojtysiak of Johnstown to 4-H.

“I’ve always wanted to build them, and I like building models,” said Justin, 10, who is also showing and breeding rabbits for the fair this year.

Timothy’s dad has also been captivated by model rockets.

“There’s just something about fire and rockets and power,” David said. “It’s an exciting field.”

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