12-14 September 2024
War Machines and War Birds: 49th Annual MVPA-HA Convention to be held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin,
at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), 3000 Poberezny Road (Hangars A & C and surrounding area)
We are excited to announce that the 49th Annual MVPA-HA International Convention will be held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) grounds, 12-14 September 2024. The Midwest Military Vehicle Association (MMVA), the Wisconsin affiliate of the MVPA will be hosting the Convention.Oshkosh offers a variety of fun events and attractions for all ages. Surrounding lakes, rivers and trails provide year-round opportunities to explore the outdoors and the inviting downtown district features all the amenities of a big city within a small-city setting.
Oshkosh has both historic and modern venues featuring engaging exhibits and a vibrant performing arts scene. Year-round events range from gallery walks, dinner theaters and farmers markets to major music festivals and the largest air show in the world, EAA AirVenture. Enjoy shopping at unique boutiques in the downtown district and the popular Shops at Oshkosh, which are home to many popular brand-name stores. Supper clubs, waterfront dining, breweries, wineries, chocolate shops and drive-ins give visitors the opportunity to satisfy any palate.
Conveniently located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago along the US-41 corridor, Oshkosh is an easily accessible destination with numerous lodging and entertainment options that fit every budget. For one week each summer in July, 600,000 EAA members and aviation enthusiasts from more than 80 countries attend EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh where they rekindle friendships and celebrate the past, present, and future in the world of flight. For more than 70 years, AirVenture has had it all when it comes to aircraft; warbirds, vintage, home-builts, and ultralights. For many, arriving at Oshkosh is a rite of passage that can only be satisfied by being one of the more than 10,000 aircraft flying in and landing at what becomes the busiest airport in the world.
By partnering with the EAA, we gain the advantage of their experience, planning, and advertising skills to ensure a successful military vehicle show. The MMVA is combining a robust showing of military vehicles from bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, jeeps and light vehicles to heavy trucks, trailers and tracked armored vehicles with the exciting addition of vintage warbirds.
Wittman Airport provides the perfect venue for a combined ground and aircraft show in anticipation of a large number of public attendees. Utilizing two of the EAA grounds hangars, we have ample space for indoor military vehicle displays as well as vendor spaces. Outdoor vendor and military vehicle display areas will also be available for MVPA members. On site camping and numerous hotels within a short commute make the EAA grounds the perfect site for the MVPA convention.
Nearby attractions include the EAA Museum, the Military Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Maritime Museum and USS Cobia submarine, National Railroad Museum, Lambeau Field, Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial, Oneida Casino and numerous shopping malls and local history sites. Potential Fall sports opportunities include a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field, and a Milwaukee Brewers game in Milwaukee.
No matter from which direction you travel to Oshkosh, there are numerous sights and attractions to visit on the way there or on the way home. From the south you can stop at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, or 1st Division Museum in Cantigny, Illinois. From the north you can stop at the Bong Museum in Superior, the Fire Museum in Peshtigo, or the National Railway Museum in Green Bay. From the west you can visit Fort McCoy near Sparta, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison, or the Wisconsin Dells. If traveling from the east, consider using one of the two car ferry services that help you avoid Chicago traffic. The Lake Express connects Milwaukee, WI, and Muskegon, MI, and the SS Badger connects Manitowoc, WI, and Ludington, MI.
We will be providing more info in upcoming issues of History on Motion and on our web site, www.MVPA.org/conventions.