Invites Public To 'Rock The 'KOSH!!!'

ANN APRIL 1st "SPECIAL" EDITION: Admitting the organization's efforts to have its annual air show and convention known as "AirVenture" -- rather than its more common nickname -- have met with only limited success, on Wednesday representatives with the Experimental Aircraft Association announced a new moniker for the 'World's Greatest Aviation Celebration."

"OK, you win, it's Oshkosh," said EAA Chairman and President Tom Poberezny. "It's always been Oshkosh -- well, except when it was in Illinois -- and it will always BE Oshkosh. Probably. That is, unless the city council does something really shortsighted in regards to our latest TIFF request..."

All branding associated with the annual show -- which takes place annually at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) during the last week in July -- will be hastily redone (above) to highlight the Oshkosh name.

'AirVenture' will still be used, though only in regards to the daily aerial displays. "You can have Oshkosh without AirVenture, but not the other way around," Poberezny added.

In addition to the name change, EAA also announced April 1 a new marketing campaign, targeted at aviation-minded youths worldwide.

"Building on the success of last year's "Masters Of Hip-Hop and Alt-Rock" opening day concert, this year EAA is proud to announce its "Rock The 'KOSH!!!' campaign aimed at pre-teens and young adults," said EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski. "In addition to presenting Oshkosh 2009 as THE place for hipsters to be this summer, EAA will also hold several seminars at our EAA Affordable Flying Center, to show youngsters how easy and affordable it can be to learn to fly.

"Plus, as a special bonus, this year's concert features a band we know will really speak to younger people in attendance," Knapinski said. "Namely, The Doobie Brothers."

Oshkosh 2009 will be held July 27-August 2, 2009.

FMI: www.rocktheKOSH2009.org