Pilots Lament Closure of Popular AirVenture Hangout

It’s not often you’ll see the term “sturgeon spearer” in an AvBrief story but we’re assured by readers that the news from Oshkosh about the pending closure (November 21) of Wendt’s on the Lake restaurant will have a direct impact on thousands in the GA community. According to readers for whom the restaurant is a staple of their AirVenture experience, it’s a tragic loss for a very loyal segment of that community. “Let’s hope that an angel investor will step up and keep it going,” said one of our readers who took the time to alert us. “We’ve lost too many of the best AirVenture dining establishments over the years. This one was the best, IMHO, because it was easily accessible from the south of the field, affordable, unpretentious, and served fresh lake perch.” Another said it’s become a family tradition. “I’ve dined there every year that I’ve found ground transportation, and it’s been well worth it,” he said. “This year I took my son there during his first trip to AirVenture – I’m glad he did not miss a chance to experience it.”

It’s worth noting that AirVenture customers don’t even rate a mention in the larger story of the impact on the local sturgeon spearing community. According to local media the modest family owned business succumbed to the family infighting and disagreements that sometimes make such enterprises untenable. But in addition to the loss that will be felt by pilots from all over the world, there will be major impact on a uniquely Wisconsin winter tradition. Every February there is a two-week season in which those with all the proper permits are allowed to harvest the ancient fish species in Lake Winnebago by spearing them. It’s a wildlife management program to keep the sturgeon population in check. Wendt on the Lake is a sturgeon spearing epicenter according to local media. “It is not unusual to see speared sturgeon hanging on hooks outside the restaurant while successful spearers celebrate inside,” said the report from KFIZ.

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