Nate Smaglik works to drain water from the small pond that formed at the entrance to the Diamond Aircraft exhibit. Photo by Meghan Plummer

"As if hauling in equipment and setting up tents and booths wasn’t enough, water removal is now at the top of the list as exhibitors prepare for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010.

Eric Marshall, setting up the Diamond Aircraft exhibit, used only one word to describe the challenges of setting up—water. Marshall said the wet weather delayed many operations, putting a halt on moving aircraft onto the grass in the exhibitor area. Sump pumps were installed to drain the small pond that has taken over the entrance to the tent.

The crew from Diamond Aircraft arrived on July 15, right when one of the storms hit. Langley Goodin, who transported the mock-ups and other equipment, said the rain put them at least a day behind schedule. The biggest challenge was pouring the concrete needed to plant poles in their exhibit area. “The concrete trucks couldn’t get on the grass, so we had to carry it in 5-gallon buckets,” Goodin said. He said that with the weather difficulties, there may be a few finishing touches that will need to be completed on Monday, but it’s not unusual to be in that situation.

In the Fly Market, EAA Chapter 252 of Oshkosh is setting up the Aeromart. Wayne Daniels, on-site chairman, said that four truckloads of wood chips were brought in to soak up some of the water. The rain meant they couldn’t start set up until Tuesday, five days later than expected. With 30 to 35 volunteers helping out each day, the site should be ready for the crowds looking for great deals.

Bob Hurd of Aviation Antique Mall, preparing for his 24th year at AirVenture, was undaunted. “It’s just part of the game,” Hurd said. “This is nothing. You deal with it.”

Staying dry in Hangar B, Neil Glazer of PilotMall.com said he was originally planning to set up in a tent. “We’re very happy EAA convinced us to get in a hangar.”

While many people are working hard to keep dry, one AirVenture legend is pleased with his designated corner: Jerry Sleger, of Jerry’s One Man Band. “I’ve got it made,” Sleger said.