SUN ‘N FUN CAMPUS, LAKELAND, Fl. – (March 21, 2007) – Every April, tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts “take off” to Lakeland, Florida, for the annual Sun ’n Fun Fly-In. Sun ‘n Fun is a week-long aviation extravaganza that is the second largest aviation event of its type in the world.

Sun ‘n Fun is recognized as the largest festival in the state of Florida, generating more that 35,000 hotel room nights and creating an economic impact in Polk County of nearly $30 million.

As in years past, education is the core around which all other activities are built. Sun ‘n Fun’s educational forums and hands-on workshops offer pilots, aircraft owners and future aviators an opportunity to learn critically important information on the basics of aircraft design, construction, maintenance and restoration.

“Education is the hub around which the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in is built,” said Sun ‘n Fun President and Fly-In Chairman John Burton. “The enthusiastic exchange of information between exhibitors, participants and aircraft owners – plus the educational activities offered by the Federal Aviation Administration through their year-round facility here on the Sun ‘n Fun campus - combine to create an unsurpassed aviation experience.”
This year, three big events will combine to make 2007 the best year ever. First, Sun ‘n Fun has opened the flightline (where all the airplanes are parked) to all Fly-In guests. Previously, the flightline area was restricted to pilots or members of the Florida Air Museum (FAM) or the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Second, Florida residents and active duty military will be admitted to the Fly-In for half price on Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22. Third, country music star Aaron Tippin will perform in concert Saturday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m.

“All three of these will combine to introduce our guests – especially those from Lakeland and Polk County - an unforgettable and affordable aviation experience,” said John Burton, Sun ’n Fun’s President and Convention Chairman. “That is part of our mission: to introduce people of all ages to aviation and we believe our new Flightline policy will help accomplish that. We invite all of our guests to experience firsthand the amazing aircraft on display that span virtually every chapter of aviation history. The discounted weekend admission rate makes it more affordable than ever. And the Aaron Tippin concert appeals to people of all ages and interests. When you combine all this with everything else Sun ‘n Fun offers throughout the week of the Fly-In, you won’t want to miss being part of all the action.”

The airshow performer lineup includes aerobatic performers such as the AeroShell team, Red Barons Pizza squadron, Patty Wagstaff, John Mohr, Bill Stein, and many more, who will dazzle guests during the daily airshow that begins at 2:00 p.m. An additional show on Friday night beginning at dusk features incredible pyrotechnics routines, and will be followed by fireworks to round out the evening. In addition, anticipated weekend performances by military jet-teams demonstrating the A-10 “Warthog” and F-18 Super Hornet will impress even the most experienced Sun ’n Fun attendees. Military static display aircraft includes: F-16’s, a KC-135, C-130H, T-45’s, A-10’s, and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) AC Shrike Commander as well as a scheduled fly-by by both the B-1B and the B-2 “Stealth” bombers.

Approximately 160,000 people participate in the seven-day event, which traditionally heralds the start of the aviation year.

Sun ‘n Fun, a 501(c)(3) not–for–profit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, is best known for its annual Fly–In held each April. The Fly–In is the primary source of funding for Sun ‘n Fun’s expanding year–round aviation education programs. These include operation of the Florida Air Museum, the state’s “Official Aviation Museum and Education Center,” which is also supported through grants from the Division of Historical Resources and Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State. In addition, Sun ‘n Fun has initiated education programs for aviation enthusiasts of all ages – especially young people – featuring valuable “hands on” learning experiences. A growing scholarship program provides financial support to ensure Sun ‘n Fun’s education programs are accessible to all. For more information, access Sun ‘n Fun’s website or call the Sun ‘n Fun offices (863–644–2431).

Original Release