EAA Announces Schedule For Theater In The Woods At AirVenture 2016

Everyone knows that the airshows being presented at EAA AirVenture are filled with top-notch performers and they are part of the AirVenture adventure. But there is also a softer side to the AirVenture ‘show business’ that is relaxing and informational. It’s called the ‘Theater in the Woods,’ and it provides a perfect and to an eventful day.

Theater in the Woods programming kicks off on Sunday evening, July 24, with the traditional An Evening With Champions. It features Flying Tigers expert Frank Boring, SR-71 Blackbird pilot Rich Graham, and historian Betty Geiger-Darst’s portrayal of Katherine Wright.

On Monday, July 25 at 8 p.m., the Coulson Aviation team will be presenting on the history of the Martin Mars, the world’s largest water bomber. Coulson Flying Tankers Inc. purchased the bomber in 2007 and has used it to fight fires across North America. Also on Monday night, Jessica Cox will present Right Footed, the documentary about her life. Cox was the world’s first armless pilot.

The Founder’s Innovation Prize, held on Tuesday, July 26, at 8 p.m., is a contest rewarding the best idea pitched that helps prevent aircraft loss of control accidents. A judging panel will choose among the top five of more than 140 previously submitted entries. The selected teams will present their ideas to a panel of aviation industry experts. The winners will receive a cash prize which they may use to develop their idea.

Pearl Harbor’s 75th anniversary will be honored on Wednesday, July 27. The 6 p.m. program includes presentations by Pearl Harbor Survivors, Daniel Martinez from National Parks Service, and author Mark Wortman. Martinez is the chief historian at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Honolulu, Hawaii. Wortman is the author of 1941: Fighting the Shadow War, A Divided America in a World at War.

The evening program audience can meet team members and alumni from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds on Thursday, July 28 at 8 p.m. At 9 p.m. the U.S. Coast Guard will present on their 100 years of service in border protection, search and rescue, and more.

Gen. Chuck Horner and Gen. Michael Hostage will present on Friday, July 29 at 8 p.m. as part of the 25th anniversary commemoration of Operation Desert Storm. Horner is a retired USAF four-star general who commanded the American aerial forces during Operation Desert Storm. Hostage is also a retired four-star general, and has flown in several combat missions, including Desert Storm.

The program on Saturday, July 30 at 6 p.m. is The Boeing Company’s centennial, and will look back at the history of Boeing and forward to Boeing’s future.

The entire ANN crew looks forward to seeing you there.

(Image provided by EAA)

FMI: www.eaa.org