Creatures Everywhere Stirring; Two Cars Failed to Yield 

by ANN Correspondent James Aronovsky

It's early morning at Wittman Field, the Saturday before Oshkosh.

The enormous airplane campgrounds are dotted with tents attached to airplanes. Those few hardy campers had wrangled the choice spots very close to the action. 

At this point, the action is less aviation and more construction. Sure the occasional airplane lands... and the mass arrivals of the Bonanzas and Cessnas are wonderful sights... but the dominant sounds are those of hammering, sawing, and the beeps of backing trucks.

Throughout the day, aviation brands began to show as their signs are unfurled and airplane fuselages -- some strangely devoid of their wings -- are moved into their most attractive locations. Several of the 'really cool' planes are being moved around the ramp... and no matter how busy and behind schedule, no one really minds waiting for the Ford Trimotor to taxi into position. 

It's now Saturday afternoon... more airplanes are parked, more tents pitched, more exhibits are taking shape. Everywhere on the field are people who only arrive before Airventure officially starts, then leave the airport and actually miss all the action... but they will return in a week with their hammers and screwdrivers to take apart the exhibits, and help return the field to what it was.

More volunteers assembled, and once-a-year friends became re-acquainted enjoying the rare luxury of wide open spaces in nearly every direction. 

Scooters, both retro and utilitarian, buzzed in very conceivable direction. Golf carts, topless VW Beetles, and the occasional "normal" car could be seen in areas that in just two days would be covered with people.

Alas, there was a minor incident on Wittman field around 8:00 am Saturday. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the car insurance companies should take care of it.

Like working on a term paper close to the deadline, there seems to be a dogged determination that with only one day left, everything would have to happen by Sunday evening, or not make it at all.

Airventure 2006 was coming to life. 

FMI: www.airventure.org