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The mecca for aviation enthusiasts, the Experimental Aircraft Associations annual Airventure show is something to behold. From the sheer number of planes and visitors (from all over the globe) to the air shows, swap meets, building classes and interviews - there's something for just about everyone.
For one week, the small town of Oshkosh, Wisconsin lays claim to the "world's busiest control tower" where pilots are generally not allowed to communicate on the radio. Watch closely and you'll see the pilots rock their wings to acknowledge tower instructions.
The EAA has always been a family event for me, and for the past few years we've been arriving at 7am to take advantage of the morning light and fewer crowds for better picture taking. Somehow it seems that I never make it out of the warbirds section in time to see much else as I have to head over to the flightline and reserve some space before the airshow begins. Leaving camp chairs on the flightline to hold space is not permitted as the chairs present a safety hazard (due to being blown around) and will be impounded. Also, beware the flightline security - there's a line that delineates the crowd area from the flightline - do not even put one TOE over the line as the scooter-driving security will soon be there asking you to back up. They take their job seriously as they should, but it becomes almost comical at times to hear people getting reprimanded.
This year there were two historic aircraft in attendance - SpaceShipOne, and the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. Burt Rutan was involved in both projects so it was something of a homecoming for him.
On a final note, the EAA and Oshkosh know how to handle traffic - they are a model for all other air shows. With over 200,000 people in attendance at times, it usually takes less than 15 minutes to leave the grounds! Dayton and Indianapolis take note - compared to your rage-inducing, time-consuming chaos, the EAA is a pleasant surprise.