OSHKOSH, Wis. (WSAU) — The largest annual convention of any kind, anywhere in the world, opens today in Oshkosh. The Experimental Aircraft Association’s “AirVenture” fly-in kicks off its seven-day run, and communications director Dick Knapinski says, “It’s so big, there’s something for everyone to see and do.”
“We’re getting started on Monday and going right through July 31st. A sensational line-up this year. Some airplanes that have never been here before. Some that haven’t been here for a lot of years. Nine air shows, over seven days, including two at night.” According to Knapinski there’s, “10,000 airplanes coming to the Oshkosh region. New and old, and big and small, and everything else you could want.”
Just about every type of aircraft imaginable will be there, many for the first time. “One that’s never been here before is called Martin Mars. It’s a fire bomber. It’s the world’s largest flying boat out of British Columbia, has the wingspan of a 747. It’s a true flying boat.”
That’s not all that’s coming from north of the border according to Knapinski, “The Canadian Snow Forces Snow Birds coming, first time in thirty-three years. That military team is Canada’s equivalent of the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds. They’ll be putting on shows the 29th, 30th, and 31st, as part of the air show for those days.”
It’s also the 100th anniversary of Boeing Aircraft, so Knapinski says they’ll be represented at this year’s show. “So throughout the week we’ll see a 747, a 767, a 737, all on the ramp at one time or another. so a lot of big airplanes, fast airplanes, small airplanes, all making their way to Oshkosh for the entire week.”
The economic impact is also huge with about $110-million dollars brought into the state each year. “EAA AirVenture has a tremendous economic impact for the State of Wisconsin. A few years back U.W. Oshkosh did an independent survey, that estimated that the State of Wisconsin benefits to the tune of $110 million dollars each year because of EAA Airventure. That’s important to know because 70% of our visitors come from outside Wisconsin, which means it’s new money coming into the state. It’s not just those of us living in the state exchanging money with one another. So, that’s a huge economic force that reaches up into North Central Wisconsin, because a lot of people will stop at airports, hotels and so-forth on their way to Oshkosh.”
Entertainment will feature “Third Eye Blind” on opening night, and the group “Survivor.” The fly-in starts July 25th and runs through July 31st.
By Terry Pezl, WSAU.