Brats, Bombers & History: A Weekend at the Sheboygan County Airport | July 18–20, 2025

Where sizzling brats meet roaring radials — the skies aren’t the only things heating up this summer!

The Sheboygan Rotary Club invites you and your family to a weekend full of excitement, flavor, and history at the Aviation Heritage Center of Wisconsin, located at the Sheboygan County Airport. Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20, visitors are welcomed to enjoy a rare up-close look at one of the largest civilian gatherings of North American T-28 Trojan Warbirds in the country — in town before their flight to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

These beautifully restored post-WWII aircraft — once used to train Navy and Air Force pilots and later deployed in combat — will be on static display on the airport ramp, visible from the Aviation Heritage Center’s observation areas. You’ll see up to 21 of these powerful, historic aircraft and hear the roar of their 1,425-horsepower radial engines as they prepare for flight operations. This is a unique opportunity to witness aviation history from a front-row vantage point — no flight demonstrations, just a close and respectful view of these iconic machines.

A Legendary Aircraft Lands in Sheboygan: The Historic C-54 "Spirit of Freedom"

In addition to the T-28s, the Aviation Heritage Center is excited to welcome the historic C-54 "Spirit of Freedom" on Saturday, July 19. Known as the “Workhorse of the Skies,” the C-54 Skymaster is a four-engine transport aircraft that was a vital asset to the U.S. military, enabling large-scale operations across the globe. Most notably, the C-54 played a central role in the Berlin Airlift, one of the largest humanitarian efforts of the 20th century. During the 1948–1949 Soviet blockade of West Berlin, American pilots flew the C-54 to deliver life-saving supplies—food, coal, and medical aid—to millions of people trapped behind the blockade.

On July 19, visitors will have the rare opportunity to tour the “Spirit of Freedom,” step inside this living piece of history, and learn about the courageous pilots who carried out these critical missions. Operated by the Candy Bomber Foundation, the C-54 is more than just an exhibit—it’s a tribute to the resilience, courage, and innovation of a generation.

Inside the Aviation Heritage Center, explore additional exhibits, including a restored 1941 Douglas DC-3 and authentic military flight simulators, used to train pilots during the Cold War and Vietnam eras.

✈️ Brat Fry Fundraiser – "Brats with a Side of Warbirds!"

While your eyes and ears enjoy the aviation experience, treat your tastebuds at the Sheboygan Rotary’s famous Brat Fry, happening all weekend long:

  • Brats & Hamburgers
  • Cold Beverages
  • Cookies & Assorted Snacks

Proceeds help fund Rotary Club scholarships and local community service projects — every meal served helps support youth and families in Sheboygan County.

🗓️ WHEN:
Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20, 2025
 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

📍 WHERE:
Aviation Heritage Center of Wisconsin
 Sheboygan County Memorial Airport (SBM)
 N6191 Resource Drive, Sheboygan Falls, WI

🎟️ FREE ADMISSION
Nominal fee to tour the C-54

Bring the family for an unforgettable experience of sound, sight, and Rotarian service. See the planes. Tour the Aviation Museum. Enjoy great food — and support a great cause.

 

AMERICAN FLAG LEASING PROGRAM

Through the Sheboygan Rotary Club American Flag Leasing Program, a 3' X 5' American flag will be delivered to your home or business for 8 national holidays/commemorative events: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot's Day, Election Day and Veteran's Day. All flags are mounted on a 10 foot pole and uniformly placed on your property. Flags will be set up for display on your property Memorial Day until Independence Day, Labor Day until Patriot's Day, and Election Day until Veteran's Day. Each subscription is $75, with net proceeds support local and international causes, including local youth scholarships. Gift subscriptions are available, which are a great way to honor a veteran in your family.

 
Link to Sheboygan Rotary Club Flag Leasing Program brochure:
 
To place an order online, please use the following link:
*NOTE: Order deadline is 7 days prior to the next holiday*
 

Payment by check may be made out to Sheboygan Rotary Foundation 

and sent to PO Box 1172 Sheboygan, WI 53082-1172

 

 
   
RESTORATION OF OUR TREES SHEBOYGAN (ROOTS)
Restoration of our Trees Sheboygan (ROOTS) is a collaborative effort between Sheboygan Rotary Club and Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) to address the serious threat of the Emerald Ash Borer to Sheboygan County's rich forestry resources. Together with local municipalities, ROOTS is transforming our communities and protecting our beautiful woodlands and tree-lined streets for generations to come.
 
You Can Help...
 
DONATE
The threat Emerald Ash Borer poses to our areas tree canopy has overwhelmed public agencies at all levels. Public resources and financial support are needed for reforestation planning, tree removal, replanting of diverse tree stocks, maintenance, and even public education and engagement. http://www.rootswi.org/waystohelp
 
VOLUNTEER
To be successful in our efforts of improving public awareness, engagement and support for urban forest management, we need community members to join us in volunteering. Sign up to learn more about future volunteer needs: http://www.rootswi.org/waystohelp
 
 
GRANTS
The Emerald Ash Borer does not discriminate. Any homestead, piece of land, park or backyard can be affected. ROOTS is offering a Community Investment Program" grant to assist Sheboygan County municipalities with developing reforestation plans, removing infested trees, planting replacement trees and community outreach/education.
 
 
If you have a project you would like to submit an application for, download the application here:
 

We meet In Person
Mondays at 12:00 p.m.
Sheboygan Elks Lodge
1943 Erie Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081-3708
United States of America
Club Executives & Directors
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Director - Community Service
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Director - Club Administration
Satellite Chair
Sergeant-at-Arms
Director - Fellowship
Director - Membership
Director
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Director
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Upcoming Events

Speakers
Marine Credit Union
Jul 28, 2025
Chartering the Course Together: Empowering Our Community Through Collaboration
Lisa Salgado
Aug 04, 2025
Mayor's International Committee
Sharon Cross
Aug 11, 2025
Riveredge Nature Center
Club Assembly
Aug 18, 2025
Lisa Finny
Sep 08, 2025
United Way Volunteer Center
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