Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh has hosted “Star Wars” legend Harrison Ford among its many aviator enthusiasts over the years for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual AirVenture, an aviation event that is an economic boon for the city and Wisconsin.
This year’s event, which began Monday and ends on Sunday, will coordinate over 16,000 flights. Each year the event brings in over $250 million in economic benefits to the Fox Valley region, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.
AirVenture features air shows and rare and unusual aircraft on display. This year’s program also celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“’Celebrating the Freedom of Flight’ will focus on the unique role aviation has played in America’s progress since that first flight of the Wright brothers in 1903,” Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions, said in a statement. “Be it innovations by individuals or colossal accomplishments by the nation’s companies and our military, America’s leadership role in the progress of flight has been a remarkable part of our nation’s history that we’ll celebrate at Oshkosh.”
EAA had a record-high attendance of 704,000 people last year, with visitors from 94 countries, another record.
