Skies over Merrill to roar with action this Sunday

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled Sunday, Merrill! On July 19, 2026, the skies above Merrill Airport will come alive with the roar of engines as our local airport serves as the official finish line for the prestigious 28th annual EAA AirVenture Cup Race. Over 100 unique aircraft, in 40 different classes, ranging from sleek corporate jets and powerful turboprops to vintage engines, are expected to zoom low and fast over our runway, providing an unmatched spectacle for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Even better? The event is entirely free, open to the public, and packed with excitement.
The race kicks off at 9 a.m. in Wausau, with pilots embarking on a grueling 400-nautical-mile loop across Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. After checking in at checkpoints like Shawano, Menominee, and Tomahawk, the racers will head south to cross the final finish line right here in Merrill between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

High-speed flyovers and front-row seats
For Merrill residents, this is a rare chance to see high-performance aircraft in action up close. While official regulations set the race height at 500 feet, spectators can expect some pilots to put on a bit of a show, a few insiders said.

“If you like airplanes flying fast and low, it’s exciting,” said Joe Malsack, the Merrill Airport Event Coordinator and Airport Commission Secretary. “You’ll see some aircraft come in at 400 miles an hour, and you’ll see some aircraft come in at 75 miles an hour. But when they start coming in two or three at a time together, it’s pretty exciting. Every once in a while, some of them will actually put a trail of smoke on for the crowd.”
To ensure everyone has a safe and spectacular view, the airport has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an official, approved spectator zone. The flight line is highly secured to keep wildlife like deer off the runway, so spectators will watch from a dedicated, safe viewing area located about 1,000 feet away from the action.
“The space is finalized and approved,” said Gary Schwartz, who has served as the Airport Commission Chair since 2002. “Now everybody’s on board that it’s a spectator event, and we’ll have an official spectator place.”

Everything you need to know for race day
To make this a true community celebration, the airport is rolling out the red carpet for visitors. Here are the key details for anyone planning to attend:

• Location and entry: Head down to the airport property at 1701 Champagne Street. Look for the open gate along the fence line, where you can drive right onto the airport grounds.
• Hassle-free parking: On-site parking will be available directly inside the gate so that attendees do not have to park on the road. Attendants will be stationed at the gate to direct traffic.
• Bring your own comfort: There are no bleachers, so spectators should bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit in the grassy spectator area.
• Food and amenities: The popular DNK Lunch Wagon from Gleason will be parked on-site, serving up classic crowd-pleasers like burgers, hot dogs, ham and cheese sandwiches, cookies, and cold sodas. Additionally, portable restrooms will be available in the spectator area for convenience.
• Hear the action: A live public address (PA) system will be set up to broadcast real-time radio calls from the pilots as they coordinate their high-speed approaches.
Malsack, who has been quietly hosting this finish line for the last five years, is thrilled to finally take the wraps off. “Last year, Shawano had a big flyover party and it was a huge success. I said, ‘Well, let’s try it here.’ We’ve always had people coming out on their own when they hear the engines, but now we can actually invite everyone to a proper celebration,” Malsack said.
For local residents who might be put off by the massive crowds, long drives, and high admission fees of the main EAA AirVenture convention in Oshkosh, this event offers a perfect, stress-free alternative. “It’s a nice free event,” Malsack said. “It’s community-based, and you don’t have to drive over 100 miles to get there.”

Volunteers wanted
Because the massive EAA AirVenture convention in Oshkosh kicks off the very next day, most local aviation personnel will be busy preparing down south, leaving a skeleton crew to manage the Merrill finish line.
“That’s going to be the big thing right now — the biggest issue we’ve got is help,” Malsack said, explaining that he and just a couple of others will be handling the event’s heavy lifting.

If you are interested in volunteering to help direct traffic, assist spectators, or support this exciting local event, Malsack welcomes you to reach out to him directly at 715.218.4157.
Come out this Sunday to support the local airport, grab a bite from Gleason’s own DNK Lunch Wagon, and enjoy the high-speed thrills of the EAA AirVenture Cup Race fast and furious finish.