One of the largest EAA Chapters in the country, EAA Cheeseland Chapter 431, held its annual “Groundhog Chili Ski Fly-In,” Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Brodhead, Wis. (C37). The fly-in was well attended, although snow was scarce.
The guest speaker for the chapter’s monthly meeting held that morning was Steve Sorge, who grew up in Hales Corners, Wis., close to the old EAA headquarters. Sorge shared the history, and the restoration story, of his 1937 Stearman M-2 Speedmail, and told members of his longstanding affiliation with EAA.
Several different pots of chili warmed the hangar full of members and guests inside, and outside there was a bonfire for pilots and airplane rides for kids.
The meeting was conducted by newly elected chapter president, Rich Pember, whose goal is to promote EAA’s Ray Aviation Scholarship Program to encourage more young people to learn to fly: https://chapters.eaa.org/default/ray-aviation-scholarship
Brodhead’s “Groundhog Chili Ski Fly-In” is held the first Saturday in February each year. For additional information, email richpember@icloud.com.
