ROCHELLE — For aviation enthusiasts, Rochelle Municipal Airport is the place to be this Saturday, July 22.
Presented by A & M Airsports, the local airport is hosting the Pre-Osh Wingfest from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature demonstrations, trike flights, and a chance to win a free skydive prize.
The event in Rochelle is planned around the annual Osh Kosh Fly-in and Convention held about 150 miles from the “Hub City” in Wisconsin. Pilots on their way to the largest aviation airshow in the world make a pit stop in at the Rochelle Municipal Airport for fuel and food.
Starting at 8 a.m. visitors will be offered complimentary coffee and rolls while having the opportunity to plane watch. Warbirds, amphibious planes, and aerobatic planes could make a stop at the airport at various times of the day.
Airport manager Mike Hudetz said people come from all over the country to converge on the Osh Kosh event every year. So far he has heard from pilots in Florida, Australia, and Canada who plan to stop here in Rochelle.

One of biggest draws is the low cost of fuel in this area. The other is for the Flight Deck Restaurant.
“Having a restaurant on the field is a pretty rare thing,” Hudetz said. “Other than Midway and O’Hare airports, we are the only airport in upper Illinois and the lower Wisconsin area that have one.”
Trike flights
Anyone interested in flying in a trike can sign up for an introductory lesson for $50. Riders will be given an opportunity to hit a target from above with a water balloon for a chance at winning a free skydive. Hudetz explained the rider will also be able to take the controls briefly before coming in for a landing. The price includes a t-shirt.
Later in the event, guests will also be offered complimentary pizza.
Hudetz said Rochelle’s event is a perfect opportunity for interested in aviation or the airport.
“It’s a good time to come out. We section out a large part of the main ramp that people can just walk around on,” Hudetz said. “They are able to come into the airport and see the planes up close. They can go for a flight if they want to.”
The event is weather permitting.