B-29 'FIFI' Will Be On The Grounds, Naval Aviation Celebrated

Heaven help us all ... the clock is ticking toward the July 25 opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," which is now fewer than 100 days away. The 59th annual edition of EAA's fly-in convention takes place July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. And even three months before the official opening, tremendous excitement has already been generated by some of the featured programs and attractions. Those confirmed events already include:

• Week-long commemoration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation, featuring unique aircraft attractions, appearances, and forums. AirVenture 2011, which has been classified a Tier 1 event by the U.S. Navy for its year-long celebration, will feature "Navy Day" on Wednesday, July 27.
• Themed tribute days to aviation icons Burt Rutan (Thursday, July 28) and Bob Hoover (Tuesday, July 26), featuring aircraft and aircraft maneuvers they made famous.
• The return of the widely popular Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks & Wall of Fire on Saturday, July 30, capping off a "super" day filled with activities for the entire family.
• An unmatched gathering of new innovations of electric-powered aircraft as part of eVenture, featuring the $60,000 Electric Flight Prize contestants showcased in action.

"The past, present, and future will all not only be on display at AirVenture, you will be able to see generations of flight in action through the aircraft that defined them," said Tom Poberezny (pictured, below), EAA and AirVenture chairman. "As we head into the final three months of preparations, we know there will be even more major highlights to announce and reasons to again say that you've got to be here!"

Featured entertainment this year includes the legendary rock band REO Speedwagon for the opening day concert on Monday, July 25, presented by Ford Motor Company; actor Gary Sinise and the "Lt. Dan Band" returning to Theater in the Woods, supported by M&Ms, on Friday, July 29, presented by EAA in partnership with the EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans; and country star Aaron Tippin taking the Theater in the Woods stage on Saturday, July 30, as part of Commemorative Air Force's "Red, White & Loud Tour" that will bring the world's only airworthy B-29 Superfortress, FIFI, to AirVenture as well.

Those concerts are included with AirVenture admission, as is other features to be announced and the nightly Fly-In Theater presented by Ford Motor Company and supported by Hamilton Watches.

"There are a number of announcements coming in the next few weeks that will add to the list of highlights at Oshkosh this year, so now is the time to plan your trip to aviation's annual family reunion," Poberezny said. "Whether you're looking for knowledge at the forums and workshops, the latest in aircraft and aviation parts, marvelous aerial and ground entertainment, or a great family event, AirVenture is the place to be this summer."

EAA AirVenture annually draws participants from more than 70 nations and in excess of 10,000 airplanes, including more than 2,500 showplanes. The event includes 700 exhibitors with the latest aviation innovations; nearly 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars covering the entire world of flight; daily afternoon air shows featuring the world's finest aerobatic performers; up-close sessions with top aviation personalities; and the gathering of aviation enthusiasts from around the globe.

FMI: www.airventure.org