Ambassador of Tourism
For July 2007

EAA Airventure

There is simply no other aviation event like it in the world - and it’s right in Oshkosh! For the 38th straight year, Wittman Regional Airport welcomes the world of flight for EAA AirVenture. This year, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” features such amazing aircraft as the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors, the U-2 spyplane, the Harrier jump jet and the Goodyear Blimp.

Imagine thousands of airplanes parked over 1,500 acres of grounds, with everything from the smallest ultralight to the military’s largest transports. There are also personalities such as Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell; Anousheh Ansari, the world’s first female space tourist; and military aces such as Chuck Yeager, Tex Hill and Bud Anderson. And there are always a few surprise guests who join the festivities, too!

The numbers of the event are staggering - more than 600,000 in attendance, 10,000 airplanes, 65 countries represented, 800+ exhibitors, nearly 1,000 presentations and workshops, and more than 750 media representatives. Beyond the numbers, though, is an experience that is as large or as small as you’d like to make it. Some visitors come to see it all; others spend several days or a whole week in their favorite area, soaking in has much information and camaraderie as they can.

EAA AirVenture 2007, the organization’s 55th annual gathering, has become known as aviation’s family reunion and definitely an event for all ages. The KidVenture area has great hands-on activities for young people and their parents, and the daily air show will “wow” you with the world’s finest aerobatic performers. It’s no wonder the name “Oshkosh” is a magical word for aviators around the world.

The event is also known as one of the nation’s premier public events. It was voted by state residents as the top “Wonder of Wisconsin” earlier this year, and is featured in the new book “1,000 Places to See in the U.S. and Canada Before You Die.” EAA AirVenture is also an economic powerhouse for the state, as University of Wisconsin System surveys have estimated an annual $80 million economic impact for Wisconsin from the weeklong event.

Many people fly because it’s a necessity for business or vacation. At EAA AirVenture, though, you’ll discover that flying is more than that – it’s a world of joy and achievement unmatched by few pursuits. The latest updates are always available at the event’s home page, www.airventure.org. We’ll see you on the flight line!