While the Best Parts are Sold Out, There's Still Plenty to Do

The schedule for "EAA WomenVenture" has been published ahead of July 26 for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, celebrating 3 decades of female combat aviation.

The 70th edition of the annual fly-in will once again be a gathering point for the surviving Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, of World War II. The yearly gathering of warbirds is a fine place to reminisce and inculcate a passion for aviation in the kids who turn out to take part in a range of activities and presentations.

“What we’ve seen over the 15-plus years of EAA WomenVenture is that it has become an unforgettable annual reunion of all women engaged in aviation,” said Margaret Viola, an EAA-member pilot who is the volunteer chair of the event. “We are inspired by those who came before us and, in turn, are enthused to share the world of flight with others who want to become part of it. It’s a celebration that happens in a unique way at Oshkosh.”

Much of the goings-on will take place at the EAA WomenVenture Center, located at Aviation Gateway Park. Monday the 24th will see an Ice Cream Social, which has reportedly sold out already. The banner stuff will begin in the middle of the week, when most attendees are present. The annual group photo will take place on Wednesday, July 26th in Boeing plaza. Every year the crowd looks to outdo itself and get as many bodies into frame as possible, and the 70th is shaping up to be a big one. After the picture, the Theater in the Woods event - also sold out - will hear from keynote speaker Michelle “Mace” Curran, author and former U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilot. Wednesday evening will see another exhibition in the Woods, with Jeannie Leavitt, Sharon Preszler, and Martha McSally, speaking about their experiences in the military aviation scene. Thursday the 27th will have a number of aviation authors available all day at the WomenVenture Center, with additional, smaller activities hosted by a plethora of exhibitors throughout the rest of the week. 

FMI: www.EAA.org/WomenVenture