Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., is inviting journalists and rocket enthusiasts to join him at the world's largest model rocket contest Saturday about an hour's drive west of Washington, D.C.

Enzi hopes large numbers of people attend so they can get a first-hand look at the hobby he is trying to protect from over regulation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. Enzi has introduced a bill, S. 724, that would exempt users of certain model rocket propellants from explosive permit requirements, much like antique firearm users are exempted from permit requirements for black powder use.

Model rocket enthusiasts are worried about how enforcement of regulations and the passage of restrictions in the Homeland Security Act could negatively affect them. Enzi's legislation would assure rocketeers that they can continue to enjoy their hobby without having to jump through a lot of needless regulatory hoops. Enzi's bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.

The National Team America Rocketry Challenge will feature competition between the nation's top 100 high school model rocket teams and is being held in honor of the centennial of flight. The rocketry challenge is being sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry. Enzi plans to be on hand for the awards ceremony scheduled to begin at about 5 p.m.

Enzi will be joined at the event by NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, Homer Hickam, author of "Rocket Boys" and "Back to the Moon", Marshall Space Flight Center Director Art Stephenson, U.S. Centennial of Flight Chairman and National Air and Space Museum Director Gen. J.R. (Jack) Dailey, NASA astronaut Jay Apt and others.

More information about the event can be obtained by visiting www.rocketcontest.org or www.aia-aerospace.org on the Web. For more information on Enzi's model rocket protection bill visit enzi.senate.gov on the Web.

Who: The nation's top rocket teams, U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi and model rocket enthusiasts from across the country

What: The National Finals of the Team America Rocketry Challenge

Where: Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, Virginia 20198

When: May 10, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.