OSHKOSH, Wis. — David Bachman is one of the first people some attendees will see at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture.
Much like an aircraft marshaller, he’s directing people onto the show grounds.
“We’re keeping the traffic flowing through the entrance to the campgrounds,” said Bachman, an AirVenture volunteer from Illinois.
It was a few days before AirVenture opened and the campgrounds were already dotted with tents and RVs.
While the flow of traffic to Bachman’s position was light, that will soon change.
“You’re going to see a lot more people arriving than right now. You’ll see all four of these lanes busy,” Bachman said. “There will be a line waiting for the windows. (Monday) won’t be as bad as Sunday, but that’s the way it will be.”
EAA AirVenture is a massive convention and air show that brings hundreds of thousands of people to Oshkosh. Last year more than 650,000 people attended.
EAA Spokesman Dick Knapinski said the event has a worldwide draw.
“Last year we had people here from 90 countries. Some of the South Africans are already here. Australia, France, Japan,” he said. “We have exhibitors coming in from Belgium, so from all around the globe. Any place that they fly, they’ll be here.”
A few of the highlights this year showcase different eras and types of flight.
“This year some of the things we’re featuring is Vietnam Remembered, 50 years,” Knapinski said. “We’re looking back at some of the people and aircraft that were involved in the Vietnam conflict. We’ll have a number of them right here on Boeing Plaza when they all come in and park. NASA will be here in a big way as well. They’re going to be here talking about the Apollo program from before and the Artemis Program coming up.”
Bachman is one of more than 5,000 volunteers who are helping make AirVenture happen.
“I’ve got a good group of friends and we get along real well and the camaraderie that’s there,” he said. “We’re here early before the crowds and we get to see everything build up, then enjoy the convention and do it all again the next year.”
EAA AirVenture runs daily, Monday, July 24 through Sunday, July 30. Gates are open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Exhibitor hours are Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets are available online and at the gate. Attendees 18 and under are free, thanks to support from Boeing.