EAA Radio's Fast Eddie was sent into the campground on a BOSE Cart (a mobile public address system) minutes after arriving from Pennsylvania, to spread the word about the new camping rules and give encouragement.

AirVenture attendees set up in the Sears parking lot in Oshkosh. EAA, in cooperation with local businesses, are operating satellite camping areas until the EAA campgrounds can accept more arrivals.

Finding a dry spot in the EAA Campground has been a challenge for campers and the volunteers who are assisting attendees as they arrive. The randomness of acceptable locations for tent, pop-up campers, and motor homes has caused the usual lines between camping areas to be blurred. People with and without generators, and those with pets are now camping side-by-side.

EAA is thanking everyone for their patience and the great spirit that has been shown by all. An upcoming dry stretch of weather should allow the campgrounds to slowly recover but EAA is asking people to avoid driving on campground roads as they are in a fragile state. Campers with generators are being asked to observe an unofficial curfew of 10:30 pm, and pet owners should keep an extra eye on their pet's whereabouts and behavior.

EAA Vice President of Membership Adam Smith said, "Most Oshkosh visitors already do this as a part of their DNA. But we're all in this together, so a little extra courtesy is a great thing as we head toward opening day."

Visit www.airventure.org to view regular updates on the status of camping and aircraft parking.