For Immediate Release
February 11, 2019
Lakeland, FL: You saw them at the Olympics, and most recently at the Super Bowl. Now, airshow fans at the annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland can look forward to something special – the first public drone light show performance at a Florida airshow. Over 60 of the specialized aerial robots will lift off together, taking flight twice during the week-long event. SUN ‘n FUN organizers are confident that this dazzling multi-colored aerial light display set to music, dubbed the “Star Dance Spectacular,” will be one of this year’s most memorable highlights.
“Drones are the latest in aviation technology, and it’s exciting to have a display like this to showcase just one of the incredible uses for them,” said Greg Gibson, Airshow Director for SUN ‘n FUN. “A drone light show has been on the top of our request list from the fans, and we are very proud to bring this cutting-edge demonstration to our audiences.
The science behind the spectacle is even more impressive than the twinkling, shape-shifting scenes played out against the backdrop of night. It can take up to three months to program the complex interactions and movements of so many drones that must move simultaneously while accounting for wind, humidity, and other factors. Great Lakes Drone Company, who produces the exhibition, is one of only a very few companies in the world capable of putting on drone performances of this scale. SUN ‘n FUN’s Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), their STEM-based education complex, provides the perfect venue for this type of 21st century presentation, and an exhibit area on the ground will be part of the overall experience for show-goers.
“SUN ‘n FUN is a world wonder of aerial entertainment, and we are honored to bring our technology to this legendary show,” said Matthew Quinn, president of Great Lakes Drone Company. “One of our key goals is to partner in communities to further aerospace education, and the award-winning programs at ACE is a perfect fit. Not only will we perform at SUN ’n FUN with our aerial night shows, but during the day we will feature STEM education in our exhibit and have a few other special surprises we can’t wait to announce in the weeks to come.”
The SUN ‘n FUN “Star Dance Spectacular” will take place during the night airshows that begin at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 6th. The performance will be the closing act following a dazzling array of breathtaking performances and pyrotechnics by some of the world’s most renowned aerial artists.
About SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc.:
SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages. Year round events, including the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo which is one of the world’s largest of its kind, raise funds for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE). SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In annually raises over $2M for ACE enabling the delivery of STEM-related and aerospace education programs engaging over 35,000 youth each year. Additionally, ACE manages and allocates up to $445K/year in aerospace scholarships. For more information, www.flysnf.org.
