OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — While it sits empty now, in less than a month Boeing Plaza on the EAA grounds will be transformed into a hub for AirVenture. That work is thanks to the 6,000 volunteers that come out every year.
“The campground opening is kind of that, ‘it’s real’ moment for us,” said Senior Communications Specialist Drew Stephani. “You can see all the volunteers are packed in, they’re ready, they’re in line ready to go. And it’s the kickoff of the kind of the road to AirVenture.”
While the campground doesn’t open to the public until Friday, volunteers are already set up outside the grounds to begin their work.
Jonathon McKenzie from Menasha has been volunteering at AirVenture for 14 years. He camps on the grounds for the entire month of July for the event.
“I work at print and mail, or volunteer there. And we distribute and print most of the literature, we distribute the papers, magazines. Pretty much anything printed,” he said.
McKenzie explained it’s a team effort full of camaraderie with lifelong volunteers. And Wisconsin is the only place such a large group of people willing to help could be found.
“There were some people from other countries that came here, and they told me that this couldn’t be done anywhere else in the world, you wouldn’t get the volunteers to be able to do it,” McKenzie said.
Stephani says the turnout is amazing every year.
“It’s a blessing and it’s really gratifying. There is so much work that goes into this every year and they help in every sort of way. We’ve got first aid, the volunteer kitchen, you name it, there’s people here that are willing to help. Everybody’s got a skill and they bring it to the table.”
There’s still plenty of work to be done. Tents to be set up, merchandise to unpack, and aircraft to get in place.
As the kickoff draws closer, more and more volunteers will continue to put in the work to make AirVenture the largest airshow in the world.
You can visit the EAA website to apply to be a volunteer at this year’s event.
“They’re always looking for volunteers,” said McKenzie. “It’s a fun time, you get in your time you get a pass to get to see this thing. Saves you on parking too. It’s worth volunteering at, and they always find something for somebody.”
