EAA AirVenture 2010 attendance numbers

OSHKOSH - EAA AirVenture 2010 attracted 535,000 visitors, that’s a 7 percent drop from 2009.

EAA officials say they expected to have a slightly lower attendance figure. Organizers say they had a number of challenges, including the rain in July.

Despite the drop, EAA president Tom Poberezny says the event was a success.

“We are not only very pleased with the attendance figures, but also with the positive response and the upbeat spirit from all those who attended,” said Poberezny.

Additional figures show that more than 10,000 aircraft took part in AirVenture 2010. There were also more than 36,000 campers at fly-in and drive-in camping areas.

Organizers say they are looking to build on this year’s successes. One of which was the inaugural night air show, which will return in 2011. Organizers also say the U.S. Navy will celebrate its Centennial of Naval Aviation at next year’s fly-in.