What began in Milwaukee in 1953 as a get-together for aircraft enthusiasts has grown into the most well known event on the aviation calendar. EAA AirVenture – also known as Oshkosh after the town where it now takes place – rightly deserves the title of the world's greatest aviation celebration. Everyone around the globe with an interest in flying wants to be here and each year around 10,000 aircraft and half a million visitors make the pilgrimage. The 2010 event wrapped up today, so after a week of enjoying all the neck-straining action and cutting edge aviation technology on show, it's time to take a look back at EAA AirVenture 2010 in pictures.

Dubbed "Sploshkosh" after a deluge prior to the show turned the fields around the airfield to mud (the area received a record 10-inches of rain during July), the puddles evaporated as the sun came out for the week-long celebration. The adverse conditions meant that some aircraft diverted to other airports in the region with fans making the final miles via road.

"Though figures will likely show a decrease in overall attendance, all sectors of showplanes except for vintage saw increased numbers," said EAA Chairman/President Tom Poberezny, "plus there were more exhibitors than 2009 and international visitors were up 4 percent."

"Salute to Veterans" was the theme of this year's event which celebrated the achievements of both the aircraft and the people who have served in the armed forces.

DC-3s take flight over EAA AirVenture (EAA photo/Amy Gesch)

DC-3s take flight over EAA AirVenture (EAA photo/Amy Gesch)

Some notable anniversaries included the 75th anniversary of the C-47s, DC-3's and the first flight of the B-17 bomber. The largest formation of Douglas DC-3s assembled in decades arrived on Monday to celebrate the occasion ... followed by some old warbirds of a different ilk – Chicago – who played before one of the biggest Oshkosh concert crowds ever.

Electric aircraft like the Yuneec E430 also had a strong presence in the exhibition grounds along with some Gizmag favorites such as the ICON A5 and the Terrafugia Transition flying car.

Scroll down for a sample of pics from the show or browse through the gallery for the full set.

ICON A5 folding plane

ICON A5 folding plane

Bi-planes at Oshkosh 2010

Bi-planes at Oshkosh 2010

EAA AirVenture 2010

John Mohr performs incredible feats in his stock Stearman bi-plane

John Mohr performs incredible feats in his stock Stearman bi-plane

The AeroShell team in formation over Oshkosh (EAA photo/Amy Gesch)

The AeroShell team in formation over Oshkosh (EAA photo/Amy Gesch)

EAA stands for Experimental Aircraft Association - some are more experimental than others!

EAA stands for Experimental Aircraft Association - some are more experimental than others!

EAA AirVenture 2010

TWA DC-2

TWA DC-2 at AirVenture 2010

The Oracle Challenger 3 piloted by Sean D. Tucker - 'The world's best aerobatic bi-plane'

The Oracle Challenger 3 piloted by Sean D. Tucker - 'The world's best aerobatic bi-plane'

AirVenture crowds were treated to spectacular aerial displays all week. Saturday's night show was the icing on the cake (EAA photo)

AirVenture crowds were treated to spectacular aerial displays all week. Saturday's night show was the icing on the cake (EAA photo)

Sploshkosh! The weather cleared during the week but campers still had to dodge some formidable puddles

Sploshkosh! The weather cleared during the week but campers still had to dodge some formidable puddles

Further information can also be found at the AirVenture site – we're already looking forward to AirVenture 2011.

Images: Gizmag and EAA (where noted).