Category Archives: sun and fun
2017 SUN ‘n FUN International Fly- In & Expo
A great show to attend if you have never been.
2017 SUN ‘n FUN International Fly- In & Expo
(January 13, 2017 Lakeland, FL) Mark your calendars for aviation’s season opener during the 43rd Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly- In & Expo presented by VISIT FLORIDA from April 4-9, 2017 in beautiful Lakeland, FL. The Fly-In is SUN ‘n FUN’s largest fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), a 25-acre, 11 building campus dedicated to aerospace and STEM education. Approximately 200,000 guests, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and performers are expected to attend. Proceeds from the event support numerous community activities in addition to ACE.
This year, you are Cleared to Land on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. Fly- In or drive- in, you are not going to want to miss the once in a lifetime chances SUN ‘n FUN is going to bring to you this year.
SUN ‘n FUN would love to welcome our French Allies on Tuesday April 4th, as the French National Team, Patrouille de France, performs during the airshow. The team is thanking the United States for our participation during the World War. The day will also honor America’s participation as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of America entering the air war in Europe, and the 70th Anniversary of the Air Force. We are proud to welcome the world-renowned Blue Angels back to the SUN ‘n FUN stage. The team will perform Friday- Sunday. Art Nalls will bring the only civilian Harrier on the airshow circuit in for the weekend, April 7-9.
The highlight of the week will take place at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 when a Flight to Honor will return along with much fanfare from Washington D.C. carrying WWII and Korean War veterans.

Event attractions include improved and increased flightline viewing areas, daily autograph session with performers, Thunder Alley Vintage Jet Display, Warbirds in Review showcase series, B-1 Bomber static display, and much more. A twilight midweek airshow is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5th. The evening program on Saturday, April 8th will include fireworks with a night air show.
In the Southeast Exhibit Area, guests will find hospitality at the International Visitors Center and Veterans Plaza. On Saturday and Sunday, classic cars and motorcycles will be in the area showcasing collections circa 1974 and older.
The 9/27 Club VIP hospitality with flightline seating is available for purchase again this year.
Attendees are encouraged to use hashtags #SnF17 and #LoveFL on social media while posting about the Fly-In.
Air show and workshop schedules, camping reservations, registration for activities, and ticketing information can be found on the SUN ‘n FUN website at flysnf.org. Keep up with all the fun on facebook.com/sunnfunflyin and twitter.com/sunnfunflyin.
SUN ‘n FUN Planning 2015 annual event
Presented by Visit Florida, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the 41st Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo will be held April 21-26, 2015 in Lakeland, Florida. An anticipated crowd of 200,000 people during the event will include more than 500 credentialed media, 500 exhibitors and guests from 80 different countries.
An International Jet Team, U.S. Military Jet Team and Warbirds will keep attendees entertained and educated. CEO & President John R. “Lites” Leenhouts is directing staff and volunteers to design this event as one that offers exciting ‘finds’ on the grounds and in the air that have been suggested by the aviation community. Themes used each day will combine Florida Day, World Aerobatics, Education, International Hospitality, Warbirds, Formations, Aviation Potpourri, Military, Florida Resident Day and more. “Dinner with Legends” (a fund-raising event for year-round education programs and scholarships), will feature big names from the sporting community who are also pilots. Lectures, workshops, continuing education credits for teachers, international food vendors, youth activities, and rides on aircraft like the Ford Tri-Motor round out the week for all attendees.
In 2015, there will be a mid-week twilight illuminated aviation airshow as well as a Saturday spectacular include fireworks. The 40th anniversary for Air America will be celebrated in the Veterans Plaza. Celebrating “A Brighter Future through Aviation”, there will be an unveiling of a new “Piedmont Education Experience” as the only fully-functional aircraft classroom on a high school campus in the world. The Boeing 727 will also have a Bernie Little Memorial community meeting space.
For further information about how to become involved at SUN ‘n FUN as a volunteer, sponsor, partner, exhibitor, vendor or advertiser, visit www.sun-n-fun.org or call 863-644-2431.
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Aviation education experiences are offered year-round for students of all ages on the SUN ‘n FUN Convention Campus. Proceeds from any event at SUN ‘n FUN, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, are returned to STEM-based education programs and activities. Take time to visit Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum with your family.