By Li Yan, Canadian North Airlines

It was my sixth visit to Oshkosh this year, and it was a special one. I became a Canadian this year — another story for another time! I also had the privilege of volunteering at the EAA Canada tent.

Back in the day, we travelled from the Middle East with a booklet of paper tickets in our hands — a privilege of being airline employees — and two suitcases filled with camping gear. We had to be very selective about what we brought home, even when it came to the free stuff, because of the luggage allowance.

This year was very different. We drove to Oshkosh, and our car was filled with proper camping gear, including real pillows and blankets! We could finally enjoy the freedom of bringing things home without constantly worrying about the weight of our luggage.

And, of course, I enjoyed taking advantage of the freebies! I collected name tags and other little souvenirs and even made some name tags for my colleagues. I was also able to bring home some posters and a few things I made during the homebuilders classes. Somehow, those little things become part of the memories of each AirVenture.

We camped together with other Canadians, which made the experience even more special. There was a welcome BBQ dinner on the first night at the EAA Canada campground and a breakfast hosted by another EAA Canada member in the middle of the week. Our campsite neighbour offered us coffee — his own brand! And every evening, a group of people would simply sit together, chat, laugh, and enjoy a beer. There was a wonderful feeling of being at home away from home.

One of my favourite things to do at Oshkosh is simply walking around and talking to people. There is always someone interesting to meet and something new to discover. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces, reconnecting with friends, and meeting old colleagues whom I hadn’t seen for decades. Somehow, at Oshkosh, it doesn’t seem to matter how many years have passed. You meet again, start talking, and it feels like you were never apart.

And then, there are the airplanes and the air shows!

There are countless video clips of the AirVenture air shows online, but they simply don’t do them justice. The sound, the smell, the heat, and the feeling of thousands of people looking up at the sky together — you have to be there to experience it for yourself.

Walking through the grounds also gives you a chance to see what is new in aviation, from the latest aircraft and technology to the creativity and ingenuity of homebuilders. Every year, I learn something new.

AirVenture Oshkosh is a magical place that brings out the best in people. For that one week, you don’t think about much else. You simply enjoy the airplanes, the activities, the conversations, and the people around you.

For me, that is what makes Oshkosh so special. It is not just about the airplanes. It is about the people you meet, the friends you reconnect with, the stories you share, and the feeling of being part of something much bigger than yourself.

Every time I leave Oshkosh, I’m already looking forward to coming back.