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Best place to park at OSH - First time at Oshkosh

Notso

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Hey guys, I'm flying my RV-8 into KOSH this year. Its my first time ever for attending the event. I'm flying in in my RV-8. Where do all the RV's park? I'm not planning on camping with the airplane, and am instead meeting up with friends in the Camper van camping area.

I'm hoping to arrive before noon on Monday. Any suggestions??

This has been on my bucket list for YEARS. I'm so excited to finally be going.
 
Homebuilt parking!

Make a sign that you put in your window (or download the one from the EAAwebsite) that shows HBP (Homebuilt Parking). Then follow the direction of the guys on the scooters to your parking spot.
 
were I ever to return, I'd try to park on the "island", as close as possible to the protecting tree line, and the Canadians regulars, as possible :)
 
were I ever to return, I'd try to park on the "island", as close as possible to the protecting tree line, and the Canadians regulars, as possible :)
I’ve never been and this is not descriptive enough to tell me much.
 
To answer your question, HBP or Home Built Parking will be your best bet if you are not camping and want to be around all the other VAF/RVers . If you camp, then HBC or Home Built Camping with a few thousand of your close RV friends.

Now for the advice you have already gotten and you will get again. . . . For the love of God, read the NOTAM and be VERY familiar with every single page that may apply to you. If you are not IFR, then don't worry about IFR or Warbird arrivals if you don't want to read all of it.
But all of us have stories to tell and have witnessed close calls or even disasters because someone involved did not read or follow the NOTAM. When 10,000 airplane try to land at the same place on the same day, EVERYONE needs to be playing from the same sheet of music.
This is one of the main reason why some stop flying into OSH all together. No one wants to be on the other end of a mistake that a pilot made by not knowing the NOTAM inside out.
 
OR...you could just come early and stay later to avoid all this machination...looking forward to my 14th Air Venture...also the ice cream @ Ardy & Eds, French Dip @ Friar Tucks and Dark beer @ Fox River Brewing...along with my HB buds in Homebuilt camping:cool:
 
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EAA will send you a printed copy - handy sized pamphlet for copilot/spotter (of course the pilot will thoroughly review prior to flight)
IMG_7803.PNG
 
I’ve never been and this is not descriptive enough to tell me much.
OK, slightly better...
The red arrow is the taxiway you can expect to be directed to having vacated almost any of the runways. The yellow framed areas, more or less HBC territory (it varies from year to year).
And the magenta framed "island", offering only enough space for like 4 1/2 rows of aircraft... and which you have to reach by taxiing over a "bridge" under which a minute creek runs. The "island" is a bit secluded, but not too far from the pavilion and the facilities. OTOH it is pretty close to the perimeter road, which can be pretty dusty, and so will your pride and joy end.
Now this spot is ideal for people camping, but if you're not staying o'nite, might as well park anywhere within HBC.


HBC.jpg
 
Excellent diagram Dan 57
HBP (no tents) is usually in the smaller of the two circles, and lately on the right side of the taxiway across from the big circle. HBC (tents) are usually in the large circle and the magenta one. FYI the Van/Motorhome camping area is on the right edge of the picture 2/3rds of the way up.
Been there many times, and as others have said NOTAM, NOTAM, NOTAM and a co-pilot is a huge asset.
Juliette
 
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OK, slightly better...
The red arrow is the taxiway you can expect to be directed to having vacated almost any of the runways. The yellow framed areas, more or less HBC territory (it varies from year to year).
And the magenta framed "island", offering only enough space for like 4 1/2 rows of aircraft... and which you have to reach by taxiing over a "bridge" under which a minute creek runs. The "island" is a bit secluded, but not too far from the pavilion and the facilities. OTOH it is pretty close to the perimeter road, which can be pretty dusty, and so will your pride and joy end.
Now this spot is ideal for people camping, but if you're not staying o'nite, might as well park anywhere within HBC.


View attachment 90749
the magenta framed “island” you are referring to is a part of Homebuilt Camping. In the original post the gentleman was asking for advice on where to Park his RV. He specifically stated he would NOT be camping with his airplane. HBP (Homebuilt Parking) is where he needs to go to park but not camp.
 
To answer your question, HBP or Home Built Parking will be your best bet if you are not camping and want to be around all the other VAF/RVers . If you camp, then HBC or Home Built Camping with a few thousand of your close RV friends.

Now for the advice you have already gotten and you will get again. . . . For the love of God, read the NOTAM and be VERY familiar with every single page that may apply to you. If you are not IFR, then don't worry about IFR or Warbird arrivals if you don't want to read all of it.
But all of us have stories to tell and have witnessed close calls or even disasters because someone involved did not read or follow the NOTAM. When 10,000 airplane try to land at the same place on the same day, EVERYONE needs to be playing from the same sheet of music.
This is one of the main reason why some stop flying into OSH all together. No one wants to be on the other end of a mistake that a pilot made by not knowing the NOTAM inside out.
Thanks. I'm well aware of the NOTAM pack and have read it several times. I have it printed and will carry with me in the plane and will read it again a couple more times before I arrive.

But that was not my question and the NOTAM pack didn't address it. The reason I ask is because some people recommended places like N 40 and such. I was mainly asking about which ones fill up early if I'm not arriving until Monday or maybe tuesday.

But yes, I plan to diligently follow the procedures and not be "one of those guys".
 
OR...you could just come early and stay later to avoid all this machination...looking forward to my 14th Air Venture...:cool:
I wish and that was my initial plan. I have some things I have to attend at home that first weekend and can't leave until midday on Sunday. :(
 
OK, slightly better...
The red arrow is the taxiway you can expect to be directed to having vacated almost any of the runways. The yellow framed areas, more or less HBC territory (it varies from year to year).
And the magenta framed "island", offering only enough space for like 4 1/2 rows of aircraft... and which you have to reach by taxiing over a "bridge" under which a minute creek runs. The "island" is a bit secluded, but not too far from the pavilion and the facilities. OTOH it is pretty close to the perimeter road, which can be pretty dusty, and so will your pride and joy end.
Now this spot is ideal for people camping, but if you're not staying o'nite, might as well park anywhere within HBC.


View attachment 90749
Don't forget it's only through the fence to Dan's Monday Nite "Social"...BTW I'll get the "0" turn in there during the week before (if I remember how to run it):D
 
OK, slightly better...
The red arrow is the taxiway you can expect to be directed to having vacated almost any of the runways. The yellow framed areas, more or less HBC territory (it varies from year to year).
And the magenta framed "island", offering only enough space for like 4 1/2 rows of aircraft... and which you have to reach by taxiing over a "bridge" under which a minute creek runs. The "island" is a bit secluded, but not too far from the pavilion and the facilities. OTOH it is pretty close to the perimeter road, which can be pretty dusty, and so will your pride and joy end.
Now this spot is ideal for people camping, but if you're not staying o'nite, might as well park anywhere within HBC.


View attachment 90749
Thanks for this, a lot better than the read the notam replies…
The only island I saw in the notam was warbird.
 
For more reference, the red arrow in the pic is taxiway P-1. When the NOTAM is in affect you will be directed by marshaller (flaggers) from the moment you exit the runway which is why you need to have your parking area sign out and ready to display as that’s how they will know where to direct you. If you are heading to HBP or HBC, once you arrive at P1, you’ll be directed to follow a marshaller on a scooter who will lead you to your ultimate parking spot and park you all the way to shutdown. If you have a specific request beyond the general parking area, like the “island”, make up an additional sign (remember you’re not talking to anyone, it’s all hand signals and signs) but be advised there’s no guarantee they will honor it. I have a sign made up requesting to stop short as I like to put plates under my tires and pull the plane up onto them. That’s easier than trying to push the plane back, set the plates and then pull it forward.
 
Hey guys/gals - sorry one last noob question to make sure I understand this correctly. I'm planning on arriving Monday, 21 July. So as long as I arrive in the windows between 7am - 2:15pm or 6:30pm-8pm - I'm good to go to arrive - correct?

IOW the field is open 7am to 8pm minus the TFR times listed below for the airshow performances. I just want to make sure I'm reading that correctly for planning purposes. TIA.

1750629487349.png
 
Good evening. There have been a couple of incorrect replies in this thread- well meaning I'm sure, but incorrect, and following their advice could cost you some unnecessary $.

Homebuilt Parking- it costs you nothing to park your airplane at Oshkosh, as long as you park in one of the designated parking areas. You indicate your desire to do so by showing a "HBP" sign to each and every orange-vested volunteer you see from the time you clear the runway to the time you pull the mixture.

Homebuilt Camping- this is a subset of Homebuilt Parking, and you are allowed to pitch a tent and camp with your airplane in this area, which is awesome. The catch? It ain't free, and you will be charged the going rate for camping at Oshkosh, which I think is around $30-40/ night. It's the same cost if you camp in Scholler (which I do), North 40 camping, Homebuilt Camping, Vintage Camping, or anywhere else on the field which contains the word "camping."

"The Island" is the informal name given to a small subset area of Homebuilt Camping. If you park there, you will be charged for camping, whether you pitch a tent or not.

The maps which others have posted on this thread mostly incorrect as to the boundaries between camping and parking areas. But that is not something you need to worry about in advance. If you come in an RV and show a HBP sign, you will be directed to park with the other RVs. If you show up in a T-18, you'll be parking with the other T-18s. Long-EZs with the other Long-EZs. You get the idea.

The boundary between HBP and HBC is fluid year to year; we move it as needed to accommodate everyone as best we can. Generally speaking, HBC starts at the west end and fills east. HBP starts at the east end as works west, and somewhere around Monday afternoon they meet in the middle and we have a better idea of where to draw the final boundaries.

Another thing not directly related to parking- if you plan to come before noon on Monday, you could be arriving during some of the busiest times of the week, which is no where to be, especially if you are new to this. If you can swing it, get there early Monday, like before 8AM, when it is much less busy. A good option (depending on your travel distance) is to fly the day before to within an hour or so of OSH, overnight, and get up early enough to launch to arrive between 7-8AM. The recipe for success is to arrive at RIPON during a slower time, with full fuel tanks and an empty bladder, not the other way around.

Read the NOTAM. Bring good tie-downs.

Good luck.
 
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Good evening. There have been a couple of incorrect replies in this thread- well meaning I'm sure, but incorrect, and following their advice could cost you some unnecessary $.

Homebuilt Parking- it costs you nothing to park your airplane at Oshkosh, as long as you park in one of the designated parking areas. You indicate your desire to do so by showing a "HBP" sign to each and every orange-vested volunteer you see from the time you clear the runway to the time you pull the mixture.

Homebuilt Camping- this is a subset of Homebuilt Parking, and you are allowed to pitch a tent and camp with your airplane in this area, which is awesome. The catch? It ain't free, and you will be charged the going rate for camping at Oshkosh, which I think is around $30-40/ night. It's the same cost if you camp in Scholler (which I do), North 40 camping, Homebuilt Camping, Vintage Camping, or anywhere else on the field which contains the word "camping."

"The Island" is the informal name given to a small subset area of Homebuilt Camping. If you park there, you will be charged for camping, whether you pitch a tent or not.

The maps which others have posted on this thread mostly incorrect as to the boundaries between camping and parking areas. But that is not something you need to worry about in advance. If you come in an RV and show a HBP sign, you will be directed to park with the other RVs. If you show up in a T-18, you'll be parking with the other T-18s. Long-EZs with the other Long-EZs. You get the idea.

The boundary between HBP and HBC is fluid year to year; we move it as needed to accommodate everyone as best we can. Generally speaking, HBP starts at the west end and fills east. HBP starts at the east end as works west, as somewhere around Monday afternoon they meet in the middle and we have a better idea of where to draw the final boundaries.

Another thing not directly related to parking- if you plan to come before noon on Monday, you could be arriving during some of the busiest times of the week, which is no where to be, especially if you are new to this. If you can swing it, get there early Monday, like before 8AM, when it is much less busy. A good option (depending on your travel distance) is to fly the day before to within an hour or so of OSH, overnight, and get up early enough to launch to arrive between 7-8AM. The recipe for success is to arrive at RIPON during a slower time, with full fuel tanks and an empty bladder, not the other way around.

Read the NOTAM. Bring good tie-downs.

Good luck.
Hi Jeff, thanks for the great words. That's super helpful!

And as to the last paragraph - that is exactly the plan. I can't leave home base until sometime midday on Sunday (Vegas) and am going to try to get to within about 1-2 hrs of OSH the day on Sunday, RON, and then plan to arrive at RIPON NLT 8am on Monday. That's an ugly early launch on Monday AM, but I want to try to beat the rush in as you said.
 
Homebuilt Camping- this is a subset of Homebuilt Parking, and you are allowed to pitch a tent and camp with your airplane in this area, which is awesome. The catch? It ain't free, and you will be charged the going rate for camping at Oshkosh, which I think is around $30-40/ night. It's the same cost if you camp in Scholler (which I do), North 40 camping, Homebuilt Camping, Vintage Camping, or anywhere else on the field which contains the word "camping."
Is the North/South 40 a subset of one of the other main camping areas?
 
Is the North/South 40 a subset of one of the other main camping areas?
N40 and S40 are the main GA camping areas. If they qualify they can also camp in Vintage . E-AB/E-LSA can camp in HBC or S/N40– pilot’s choice but typically experimentals go for HBC.
 
I’ll ask this question again, as it was not answered (6) months ago. I’m interested in parking in the area indicated in the red dashed line in the photo below (the “other” island vs Dan’s island). Will be arriving Friday night (7PM). What sign, besides HBC, do I need to get there?
Oshkosh Camping Location.jpg
 
I’ll ask this question again, as it was not answered (6) months ago. I’m interested in parking in the area indicated in the red dashed line in the photo below (the “other” island vs Dan’s island). Will be arriving Friday night (7PM). What sign, besides HBC, do I need to get there?
View attachment 90806
That is THE ISLAND IN HBCamping (correction, one of the HBC islands, the other is just SWest or to the right on the map.) Sorry for the misinformation:cool:
 
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I’ll ask this question again, as it was not answered (6) months ago. I’m interested in parking in the area indicated in the red dashed line in the photo below (the “other” island vs Dan’s island). Will be arriving Friday night (7PM). What sign, besides HBC, do I need to get there?
Your best bet is to just show your HBC sign to get back to the HBC area, then flag down the scooter rider assigned to you and explain to them where you want to go. Friday night is still early enough that we're generally not too busy and we do out best to accommodate requests like this. Later as things fill up and we get busy, it might not be possible. A caveat- every year the early arrivals are coming just a little bit earlier. It's unlikely that "the island" would be full by Friday night, but no promises...
 
Your best bet is to just show your HBC sign to get back to the HBC area, then flag down the scooter rider assigned to you and explain to them where you want to go. Friday night is still early enough that we're generally not too busy and we do out best to accommodate requests like this. Later as things fill up and we get busy, it might not be possible. A caveat- every year the early arrivals are coming just a little bit earlier. It's unlikely that "the island" would be full by Friday night, but no promises...
Why is the "Island" so sought after?
 
Why is the "Island" so sought after?
It isn't, really. There are a few folks who seem to like it but there is nothing special about it. It's further away from the HBC pavilion but closer to the rest of the show. Like everything else, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

It's kind of funny- we started using this area (former auto parking) about 6-8 years ago, as part of the continual expansion of the homebuilt parking area. At first we fielded a lot of complaints about people being forced to park there, but over time some folks (and probably some of the same ones) have taken a liking to it.
 
Why is the "Island" so sought after?
@sprucemoose is of course 100% correct, and everyone's mileage will vary.
For me the advantages are shade provided by the large trees, maybe not for your RV, but for your favorite lounge chair.
Also it is somewhat protected from those quite regular westerlies.
There's a small entry gate closeby leading to the outside world.
It is somewhat secluded, there will be less people passing thru, and one will quickly acquaint or befriend his neighbors.

As already stated, be extra careful if taxiing in or out on your own, as you'd better be sure to pass ON the bridge... your best bet being helped by one of the fantastic marshallers.
 
It isn't, really. There are a few folks who seem to like it but there is nothing special about it. It's further away from the HBC pavilion but closer to the rest of the show. Like everything else, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

It's kind of funny- we started using this area (former auto parking) about 6-8 years ago, as part of the continual expansion of the homebuilt parking area. At first we fielded a lot of complaints about people being forced to park there, but over time some folks (and probably some of the same ones) have taken a liking to it.
As an aside, I think the Kitfoxes started a row there a year or two ago if I'm remembering correctly (SW Island).
 
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Hey guys, I'm flying my RV-8 into KOSH this year. Its my first time ever for attending the event. I'm flying in in my RV-8. Where do all the RV's park? I'm not planning on camping with the airplane, and am instead meeting up with friends in the Camper van camping area.

I'm hoping to arrive before noon on Monday. Any suggestions??

This has been on my bucket list for YEARS. I'm so excited to finally be going.
Metro Warbirds, actually in VINTAGE parking. A great bunch of folks who accept all kinds. Your RV8 will get more attention among vintage aircraft than in homebuilt parking.
 
Metro Warbirds, actually in VINTAGE parking. A great bunch of folks who accept all kinds. Your RV8 will get more attention among vintage aircraft than in homebuilt parking.
RVs are not eligible to park in Vintage which IIRC the rules state airframes can't have been manufactured later than 1979 to be eligible. The options are HBP or N40.

And by rules I mean to be eligible to park and/or camp in a show plane area (HBC, HBP, Vintage, etc), your aircraft has to qualify under that area's aircraft judging rules whether you opt to have your aircraft judged or not.
 
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Hi Jeff, thanks for the great words. That's super helpful!

And as to the last paragraph - that is exactly the plan. I can't leave home base until sometime midday on Sunday (Vegas) and am going to try to get to within about 1-2 hrs of OSH the day on Sunday, RON, and then plan to arrive at RIPON NLT 8am on Monday. That's an ugly early launch on Monday AM, but I want to try to beat the rush in as you said.
Bear in mind weather, e.g. thunderstorms, low ceilings, etc can have a dramatic impact on your flight plan. You can pretty much anticipate something will impact your well-planned 8AM RIPON arrival either along the way or nearing Oshkosh. Be flexible and stay glued to weather sources both prior to and during your flight. Weather as you get closer to Wisconsin is a different animal than the SW. All part of the fun of cross-country flights to Oshkosh. Oh, and if you do encounter some lower ceilings, keep an eye out for towers, something we don't encounter as much in NV or UT.
 
Bear in mind weather, e.g. thunderstorms, low ceilings, etc can have a dramatic impact on your flight plan. You can pretty much anticipate something will impact your well-planned 8AM RIPON arrival either along the way or nearing Oshkosh. Be flexible and stay glued to weather sources both prior to and during your flight. Weather as you get closer to Wisconsin is a different animal than the SW. All part of the fun of cross-country flights to Oshkosh. Oh, and if you do encounter some lower ceilings, keep an eye out for towers, something we don't encounter as much in NV or UT.
Great advice, thanks!
 
Bear in mind weather, e.g. thunderstorms, low ceilings, etc can have a dramatic impact on your flight plan. You can pretty much anticipate something will impact your well-planned 8AM RIPON arrival either along the way or nearing Oshkosh. Be flexible and stay glued to weather sources both prior to and during your flight. Weather as you get closer to Wisconsin is a different animal than the SW. All part of the fun of cross-country flights to Oshkosh. Oh, and if you do encounter some lower ceilings, keep an eye out for towers, something we don't encounter as much in NV or UT.
And….take a look at a sectional and locate the various GA airports within 40 or 50 miles of Oshkosh. All very friendly, and all very good places to set down, rest, get some water…maybe some fuel… when all heck is breaking loose on the arrival, there are bogies like fireflies all over the place in holding, and general chaos is ensuing. Me? I’ll be siting in the nicely manicured grass at Wautoma waiting on things to calm down….

My one Fiske mantra is “NEVER Hold in the air!!”
 
It isn't, really. There are a few folks who seem to like it but there is nothing special about it. It's further away from the HBC pavilion but closer to the rest of the show. Like everything else, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

It's kind of funny- we started using this area (former auto parking) about 6-8 years ago, as part of the continual expansion of the homebuilt parking area. At first we fielded a lot of complaints about people being forced to park there, but over time some folks (and probably some of the same ones) have taken a liking to it.
I think I was one of the first complainers :ROFLMAO:. Boy, how times change.
Park-em if you got-em.
 
As Jeff pointed out, once you're on the ground, you'll get where you want to be. Regarding the NOTAM, I have 3 flight plans set up in my GPS for the arrival. 1) Puckaway Lake- Green lake- Ripon- Fiske 2) Green Lake - Ripon- Fiske 3) Ripon-Fiske. I arrive early enough to avoid Endeavor Bridge. When you get the ATIS you'll know which point they are using. One of the Apps like Flight Radar 24 will also give you an idea which they are using. Shiite gets real when you get to this point.

Whatever you do, practice 90 knots and holding altitude. Super critical. The main two arrivals are 27 and 36L/R. Commit those to memory cause you won't have time to look at diagrams. Watch the arrival videos and look at an overview on google maps. It's fun but a little nerve wracking.
 
2 years ago flying in for my first tme I bugged out of the line freaked out by others breaking the rules and the hazy conditions. Ended up at Wautoma. Over the next 4 or 5 hours sitting there we met 4 other Rv's and have become great friends with. Walt allowed us to join his 3 ship group and he got us in that day as a 5 ship. As a bonus they had a pancake breakfast too. Great little airport!!
 
As Jeff pointed out, once you're on the ground, you'll get where you want to be. Regarding the NOTAM, I have 3 flight plans set up in my GPS for the arrival. 1) Puckaway Lake- Green lake- Ripon- Fiske 2) Green Lake - Ripon- Fiske 3) Ripon-Fiske. I arrive early enough to avoid Endeavor Bridge. When you get the ATIS you'll know which point they are using. One of the Apps like Flight Radar 24 will also give you an idea which they are using. Shiite gets real when you get to this point.

Whatever you do, practice 90 knots and holding altitude. Super critical. The main two arrivals are 27 and 36L/R. Commit those to memory cause you won't have time to look at diagrams. Watch the arrival videos and look at an overview on google maps. It's fun but a little nerve wracking.
On the subject of ATIS: maybe it's just my radio but I've often have trouble picking up the ATIS at KOSH as I get near. ADSB traffic can be used to determine the current IAP. The Fisk approach frequency is more reliable, from my experience, than the ATIS so monitoring that from afar is a good solution to confirm current runways in use, airport status, and if holds are in effect.
 
On the subject of ATIS: maybe it's just my radio but I've often have trouble picking up the ATIS at KOSH as I get near. ADSB traffic can be used to determine the current IAP. The Fisk approach frequency is more reliable, from my experience, than the ATIS so monitoring that from afar is a good solution to confirm current runways in use, airport status, and if holds are in effect.
Supposedly they've upped the wattage on the arrival ATIS transmitter this year to ensure receipt out 60 miles
 
Have heard that one the past several years, hopefully that's correct, but I'll believe it when I see it :cautious:
 
On the subject of ATIS: maybe it's just my radio but I've often have trouble picking up the ATIS at KOSH as I get near. ADSB traffic can be used to determine the current IAP. The Fisk approach frequency is more reliable, from my experience, than the ATIS so monitoring that from afar is a good solution to confirm current runways in use, airport status, and if holds are in effect.
I usually get Fiske Approach when I cross the Minnesota/Wisconsin border, and the ATIS long after that, so the ATIS is a formality after you already know what is going on….
 
Have heard that one the past several years, hopefully that's correct, but I'll believe it when I see it :cautious:
Hmmm. I hadn't heard about it before. Anyway, it was mentioned in EAA's 2025 Osh Arrival Webinar:
"Arrival ATIS broadcast power will be increased from 5 to 10 watts, enabling reception out to 60 miles at 3,000ft."

Of course the proof will be in the pudding as to whether it's done or actually improves reception. I make no guarantees to either.
 
I’ll ask this question again, as it was not answered (6) months ago. I’m interested in parking in the area indicated in the red dashed line in the photo below (the “other” island vs Dan’s island). Will be arriving Friday night (7PM). What sign, besides HBC, do I need to get there?
View attachment 90806
probably best to ask on here when the early birds arrive, I don't think the row #s stay the same every year. but once you know it just add the row # to your HBC sign
 
Hi folks, first timer HBC here. Is a small stove allowed for coffee, soup, tea, etc.?
Shower then socializing & early AM coffee at the HBC pavilion provided by the volunteers (tip jar contributions suggested) is a good way to start your days.

Personally hot soup in the heat & humidity of a Wisconsin summer isn't something I'd be too excited about but your mileage may vary.
 
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