The fact is that the jet teams are huge crowd draws, not just for the non-EAA members who drive in from here and there in WI, but for many of us who fly in. I'd come anyway, but having the Blue Angels, the Thunderbirds, or the Canadian Snowbirds in addition to the usual performers is icing on the cake. These are the finest pilots of the services, and I think it's an honor to have them come. Their dedication to what they do is exemplary--and they may very well be what spurs members of the next generation to become aviators. And don't forget--if push comes to shove, these young men and women will be on the front lines of any future aerial combat.
Noise? Put on your headsets, or put earplugs in your ears. Airplanes are noisy! The noisiest of all are the Marine Harriers. You can't come to an event such as OSH and not expect it to be noisy. To me, there's nothing better than a pair of Mustangs that taking off at 6:02 a.m. only 50 yards from my tent--better than any alarm clock I can think of.
Cary