OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Preparations for EAA AirVenture happen no matter how hot it is.
It’s a hot week and it’s crunch time in Oshkosh.
Dick Knapinski, Director of Communications tells FOX 11…
“This week is going to be a hot week, no doubt about it, but we’re used to it. It’s July, it’s Wisconsin. This is not unprecedented from any way shape or form about setting up.”
Knapinski says volunteers who make the convention happen are using some basic knowledge to stay safe in the heat.
“You just use common sense. Don’t go all out, take some time in the shade, take a break if you need it, stay well hydrated, don’t forget the sunscreen. If you do that and kind of watch out for one another out there, things work pretty well.”
A designated area is available for volunteers to recharge with some food and water.
This will be EAA AirVenture’s 50th year.
Some of these volunteers have been coming out for a long time.
John Vining from Mount Vernon, Ohio says, ” I’ve been a pilot since 1991, but I always wanted to come to Oshkosh. Once I’ve been here I said I can’t ever stay away.”
Vining says there’s just something in the air here.
“There is a spirit here that I just don’t find anywhere else. It’s aviation which is something that gets into your, it just gets into your blood. But then it’s also the people.”
That spirit is in the volunteers. Vining says the volunteers who work outside are doing special work for the community.
EAA will start Monday, July 22. It will last until Sunday, July 28.


