EAA Airventure's Announces Big-Time After-Hours Programs

EAA AirVenture 2005 will host an impressive lineup of evening programs at Theater in the Woods as some of aviation's leading personalities and newsmakers will participate at the event July 25th-31st.

Among those scheduled to appear are Burt Rutan and Mike Melvill of White Knight/SpaceShipOne; actor and pilot Harrison Ford, Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles Program; Steve Fossett, world record-setting pilot of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer; Will Whitehorn, President of Virgin Galactic, which is working on creating the space tourism industry; Sir Richard Branson, founder/chairman of the Virgin Companies; Scott Crossfield, legendary test pilot; Peter Diamandis, Chairman of the X Prize Foundation; and Bob Cardin, one of the leaders of the P-38 Glacier Girl (below) project.

"Evening programs at Theater in the Woods have become an integral part of the EAA AirVenture experience," said Tom Poberezny, EAA President and AirVenture Chairman. "We're excited about this year's programs, for EAA members, families and all aviation enthusiasts. It looks to truly be a memorable year."

Several award ceremonies are also held at EAA's AirVenture Theater in the Woods. Awards include the Bax Seat Trophy, the August of Flight Award, the Spirit of Flight Award, and the Bill Barber award. Other awards include the 2005 National General Aviation Awards and the 2005 Grand Champion Lindy awards.

Theater in the Woods is an open-air pavilion with a capacity of approximately 3,500 under cover, as well as space for more guests around the primary seating area.

Theater in the Woods Highlights 2005:

• Monday July 25
  Awards:  Bax Seat Trophy / Raspet Award / Spirit of Flight Award
  Program: "Then and Now" - with Scott Crossfield and Mike Melvill
• Tuesday July 26
  Awards:  Major Achievement / Newsletter Editor / Web Editor Awards / President's Awards
  Program: "Winning the Ansari X Prize" - with Burt Rutan and Mike Melvill
  Program: "Look to the Future" - with Will Whitehorn

  

• Wednesday July 27
  Awards:  2005 National General Aviation awards presented by FAA Administrator Marion Blakey
  Program: "Around the World Nonstop, Non-Refueled" - Steve Fossett and Sir Richard Branson Q & A with Young Eagles Chairman, Harrison Ford
• Thursday July 28
  Program: "Future of the X-Prize" - with Peter Diamandis
• Friday July 29
  Awards:  Bill Barber Award for Showmanship, presented by World Airshow News
  Program: "The Story of the Glacier Girl" - with Bob Cardin of the Lost Squadron Museum
• Saturday July 30
  Awards: 2005 Grand Champion Lindy Awards recognizing the finest homebuilts, vintage aircraft, ultralights, warbirds, rotorcraft and seaplanes.
   
  (Schedule is subject to change without notice.)

FMI: www.airventure.org