OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – Now in its 50th year, an aviation celebration in Oshkosh is kicking off today.
“We look for the world to come to the Fox Valley once again,” says Dick Knapinski, EAA’s director of communications.
EAA AirVenture was first held in Milwaukee in 1953, before being moved to Rockford, Illinois, in 1959, and then eventually ending up in Oshkosh, where it has been held annually since 1969.
Last year, the fly-in convention brought in more than 600,000 people from 87 nations, and featured more than 10,000 aircraft.
Organizers say the features and attractions are aimed at entertaining aviation enthusiasts young and old alike.
“We not only look towards the past of aviation, we look towards the future as well,” says Knapinski.
For those that watched man first step on the moon fifty years ago, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be going on Friday, July 26.
Two members of the Apollo 11 Mission, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and astronaut Joe Engle, will be at the Theater in the Woods to touch on a number of topics.
“All the science involved in it,” he explains. “And will touch upon what’s in the future for space exploration from some of the people that have been involved in it.”
Admission to that event is included in a standard day pass.
Additionally, those with an “eye on the future” will find plenty that fits their interests as well.
“Fifty years ago we were all talking about, will we be the Jetson’s someday and flying around in our own little pods?” says Knapinski. “That day may be closer than you think.”
He’s talking about urban air mobility, which is becoming an increasingly hot topic among some of the biggest names in business.
“Uber Elevate, and Google, and Amazon are all working on urban air mobility,” he explains. “How you move people better through the air.”
According to him, forums and displays on this new frontier will be featured throughout the week.
A link to find out more about the celebration and ticket information can be found here.
