Jun 2017 Cubs 2 Oshkosh kicks off in Hartford, WI July 21-23

Cubs 2 Oshkosh kicks off in Hartford, WI July 21-23 celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Piper J-3 Cub

Ladies Love Taildraggers’ member Jessica Voruda is one of the organizers for the 2nd Cubs 2 Oshkosh event kicking off in Hartford, Wisconsin (KHXF) immediately before AirVenture in Oshkosh. She’d like to invite all lady taildragger pilots to join in the fun and festivities. All people and planes are welcome, in a Cub or anything else, taildragger or trike. There will be parking set aside on the field for all aircraft. Visitors attending the fly-in aren’t required to continue on to Oshkosh as this is a standalone event. On Sunday morning after breakfast, pilots of J-3s will depart for Oshkosh for a mass flight into AirVenture.

The registration fee for the event is $125 which covers 1 pilot and 1 passenger. The fee includes a t-shirt for each person, dinner vouchers on Friday and Saturday, bathroom facilities, water, and the attendee swag bag. Some have asked whether the fee is required for individuals who would prefer to only fly in for a day and pay for meals separately. Pilots or attendees flying or driving in can talk to event staff upon arrival if not planning to stay the weekend or camp.

Jessica is planning to have food trucks on site for alternate dining options. Cub merchandise will be available for purchase. Shuttles will be available for those needing transportation into town. Attendees are free to camp next to aircraft or in another location on the field for those driving in. There will be raffle drawings and prizes from event sponsors, Beringer Aero, Bose Aviation and MyGoFlight as well as Cub merchandise.

Cub Club owner and organizer Steve Krog had the following to say in his March 28th press release:

80th Anniversary Gathering of J3 Cubs

March 28, 2017, Hartford, WI… The historic Piper J3 Cubs, the aircraft in which most all WW II pilots learned to fly, will again be gathering for a major appearance at the EAA Fly-In, July 24-30, 2017, Oshkosh, WI. The popularity of the J3 Cub draws attention worldwide. All Cub owners and pilots are invited to attend and participate in this historic event. Prior to a planned mass arrival in Oshkosh, the Cubs will gather in Hartford, WI, July 21-23.

The Hartford Airport is a natural gathering point as it has both a hard surface runway as well as a 2,000-foot turf runway. Turf is often preferred by these classic airplanes.

“Five years ago we hosted a gathering of J3 Cubs and their accompanying or support aircraft,” stated Steve Krog, Cub Air Flight LLC, Hartford, WI. “Participation was fantastic, approximately 150 airplanes turned out even though it was nearly 100 degrees every day. We hope to get at least that many or more this year due to both the fun and historic nature of this event.”

“We’ve made it much easier to register for this fun event,” stated Jamie Weber, event manager. “All one needs to do is visit the Cubs2Osh website (www.cubs2osh.com) and click on the registration form. Payment is much easier too. We’re using credit cards and PayPal rather than requiring checks. Just follow the directions and submit your form electronically.” There will be plenty of activity for the Hartford gathering. Back by popular demand will be the famous Friday evening fish fry. Activities and a variety of food services will be available all day Friday and Saturday. As details are finalized, they will be published on the website.

“The city of Hartford is very supportive of this event and will be offering a number of amenities,” commented John Hofmann, President, Cub Club. “We guarantee that all participants will be well cared for and will have a lot of fun while in Hartford.”

At sunrise Sunday morning, July 23rd, the bright yellow Cubs will launch from Hartford bound for Oshkosh. A Cub will take off every 30 seconds for nearly an hour. All participating Cubs will fly in trail to Oshkosh for what is called a mass arrival.

“We hope to attract at least 100 Piper J3 Cubs this year along with another 75 to 100 accompanying and support airplanes. It would be the largest number of airplanes ever to land at the Hartford Airport,” offered Krog.“

For more information – or to register – visit http://www.cubs2osh.com/. Or, call Jamie Weber at 262.966.7627.

Cubs 2 Oshkosh, Hartford, WI
AirVenture 2012
photo by Brady Lane

Follow updates on the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cubs2oshkosh/ and on Instagram at https://instagram.com/cubs2oshkosh/