July 26, 2010 — Today is opening day for EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In spite of bad weather over the weekend thousands of aircraft have descended to this airport for the 58th annual Fly-In Convention.

“The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” will once again become the epicenter of the aviation world, bringing together aviation’s past, present, and future and mixing in with a variety of entertainment options that will result in unlimited, affordable fun for the whole family. The celebration began today and runs through Sunday, August 1st.

Over the weekend, many of the aircraft arriving to Wittman Regional Airport for EAA Airventure were diverted to Outagamie County Regional Airport (ATW) and Fond Du Lac County Airport (FLD) due to wet conditions at the airport. All aircraft camping and parking areas were temporarily closed and ground operations were limited to hard surfaces traffic.

“Salute to Veterans”: An extensive list of special programs and events honoring America’s veterans will highlight AirVenture, including expanded daily air shows featuring warbirds of various eras, forums and movies chronicling veterans’ experiences. All veterans and active military personnel are welcome to participate in the “Parade of Veterans” at 2 pm Friday, July 30, concluding with a photo of all veterans gathered. Additionally, an Old Glory Honor Flight carrying World War II veterans aboard American Airlines “Flagship Liberty” 737 will depart AirVenture at 8 am Thursday, July 29 for a day-long tour of the Washington D.C. memorials that honor their service.

Anniversary Celebrations: Numerous festivities will celebrate the 75th anniversaries of two significant aircraft – Douglas DC-3 and Boeing B-17. Approximately 40 of the fewer than 100 airworthy DC-3s are expected, and “Max Effort Day” on Tuesday, July 27 will feature formation flights and aerial displays from all DC-3 aircraft wishing to be flown. At least four of the 12 remaining airworthy B-17 “Flying Fortress” aircraft will attend and a “Missing Man” formation is scheduled.

Big Weekend Finale: In addition to the ongoing “Salute to Veterans” activities, the final three days feature expanded warbird extravaganzas during the Friday and Saturday afternoon air shows, a rare Night Air Show on Saturday, July 31 featuring the “Wall of Fire” and capped off by a fireworks display, the “WomenVenture” recognition of women pilots on Friday, July 30, a morning hot-air balloon launches on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1, and much more included with regular admission.

A special weekend camping/admission rate for the general public includes three nights of camping, two adult admissions for two days of the event, and one EAA membership for one all-inclusive price of $198. Plus, the final day of AirVenture – Sunday, August 1 – is “Family Day,” where all young people ages 18 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

• Cool Aircraft: The unmatched collection of aircraft includes the cutting edge of technology (Dragonfly DF1 helicopter powered by hydrogen peroxide) to the unique (cluster balloon) to the historic (1929 Hamilton H-47 Metalplane) to the iconic (“Spirit of Goodyear” blimp) and everything in between.

• Evening Entertainment: Action keeps going into the night with plenty of free events included with admission. Music fans can enjoy the sounds of Chicago on Monday, July 26 right after the afternoon air show, actor and veterans advocate Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band on at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 30, and nine-time Grammy winner Asleep at the Wheel kicks off a jam-packed final evening at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. Movie buffs can head over to the Ford Fly-In Theater for its nightly features, including the aviation world premiere of “Pearl” on Friday, July 30 at 8:30 p.m. Plus, Theater in the Woods has a variety of programming each evening for everyone’s enjoyment.

• Fun for the Whole Family: Children can build model rockets and balsa planes or fly in a high-tech flight simulator at KidVenture, and at the KidVenture Gallery inside the AirVenture Museum.