The Silver Dart, the first airplane to fly in Canada.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum's Avro Lancaster bomber, last here in 2006, returns to Oshkosh this summer.

Thousands of Canadian aviation enthusiasts annually trek to Oshkosh to participate at EAA AirVenture because of their passion for flight. This year they'll have another reason to be here, as EAA commemorates the 100th anniversary of Canada's first successful powered flight.

On February 23, 1909 - John Alexander Douglas McCurdy flew the Silver Dart at Baddeck Bay, Nova Scotia, marking the first flight in the British Commonwealth. EAA is planning to commemorate the occasion with a number of aircraft and activities.

"EAA AirVenture 2009's recognition of 100 years of flight in Canada is a magnificent opportunity to show our global friends the contributions, spirit and pride of Canadian aviation," said Jack Dueck, an EAA member from High River, Alberta, who edits the "Bits & Pieces" newsletter for EAA members in Canada. "If you're one of those Canadians who dreamed of one day making it to Oshkosh, this is the year to do it! We can show our proud colours at AirVenture during our flight centennial year with the entire world of flight."

Among Canadian aircraft and pilots that have been a part of the EAA AirVenture celebration in the past include the Snowbirds aerobatic team, the world's only flying Lancaster bomber in Royal Canadian Air Force markings, and dozens of unique homebuilt, vintage and other aircraft. Many Canadian EAA members have also been Oshkosh volunteers during the event for a half-century.

"We're very much looking forward to helping our Canadian EAA members and aviation enthusiasts celebrate this grand occasion," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "It's a marvelous opportunity to showcase the heritage and contributions of Canadian aviation to the entire world of flight at Oshkosh."

Specific programs and activities will be announced as they are finalized. As those activities are confirmed, complete information will be available at www.airventure.org, which also includes valuable information regarding flying to Oshkosh from Canada, as well as admissions and housing information.