Compared to last year, when persistent wet weather muddied the grounds and slowed arrivals, AirVenture this year is booming, president Rod Hightower said at a news conference on Monday. "Ticket sales are up, campsite reservations are up, and attendance is looking to be well above last year," he said. "Thank goodness for this wonderful weather!" Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman, said the true success of the show can be judged by the "happy faces and happy smiles" found all over the grounds. "These are tough economic times, and people have to make choices to be here," he said. The robust attendance shows that aviation and innovation are valued, he said.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/air-shows-events/eaa-celebrates-lucky-weather-healthy-crowds