SUN ’n FUN Family Thrills, Aviation Style

At the end of March, the skies over Lakeland will begin to receive thousands of aircraft that will signal the start of SUN 'n FUN 2012 and convert Lakeland Linder Regional Airport into the busiest airport in North America.

Tuesday, March 27th, is “Opening Day” of SUN 'n FUN’s 38th annual gathering of the world of general aviation for its Spring Break for Pilots & friends. While the event started as a gathering of pilots who shared a common passion for aviation, it has grown to welcome all who enjoy the inspirations and thrills that aviation offers. The 2012 SUN 'n FUN International Fly-In & Expo will attract an estimated 160,000 to 170,000 visitors from Central Florida, North America and more than 80 other countries. The event is the largest aviation convention in the state of Florida and the first major international aviation event of the year in the Americas.

The SUN 'n FUN event (the major fundraiser to support the educational mission of SUN 'n FUN) is staged on the south side of the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. It sparks all levels of aviation interests from student to active “veteran” pilots, to “homebuilders” (people who design, build and fly their own airplanes!) and armchair enthusiasts, many who continue to nurture the dream to fly. On the ground, one will encounter nearly every form of man’s imagination in the pursuit of flight, from the one seat ultralight to a daunting Boeing  B-29 FIFI from the Commemorative Air Force.

SUN 'n FUN features 500 plus exhibitors both outside on the campus and in four dedicated Exhibit Hangars. Attendees will have the opportunity to review and shop the latest developments in aircraft design, aircraft avionics, pilot equipment, supplies and services plus a variety of aviation oriented art work, apparel and jewelry. 

The SUN 'n FUN campus will showcase a world-class concentration of vintage, warbird, homebuilt, factory built, rotorcraft, ultralight, light sport, hot air balloon, aerobatic and current military aircraft that add to the memorable experiences for SUN ʼn FUN guests throughout the week. A partnership with nearby Fantasy of Flight will provide a home for SUN ʼn FUN’s seaplane Annual Splash-In on Lake Agnes on Thursday, March 29.

As most residents of Lakeland can attest, the skies southwest of the city are a constant changing matrix of airplanes from sunrise to sunset. A highlight each day is the popular SUN ʼn FUN daily airshow, which is known as one of the finest and largest displays of aerobatic talent in the country. This year the show will begin at 1:00 PM and conclude at 5:00 PM. each day.   

SUN 'n FUN will welcome the Commemorative Air Force’s FiFi, the only flyable B-29 Superfortress that will be onsite and in the air for the entire week. Aviation and history fans will have an opportunity to purchase tours and schedule their “fantasy flight” on this one-of-a-kind icon of military aviation history.   

SUN ’n FUN is again privileged to present the United States Air Force (USAF) “Thunderbirds” Jet Demonstration Team as the headliner of the weekend afternoon airshow. While the official ground and aerial precision performance of America’s Ambassadors in Blue is scheduled for the March 31-April 1 weekend, the team will arrive at SUN ʼn FUN on Thursday and offer their awesome aerial precision as they practice on Friday.

SUN 'n FUN will also welcome the CAF’s Red Tail Squadron and their Red Tail P-51C and “Rise Above” Mobile Theater dedicated to spread the inspirational story of the courage and determination of a group of black WWII pilots know as the Tuskegee Airmen. The film is free, so be sure that the entire family has an opportunity to experience this milestone of American history. 

A new addition to the SUN 'n FUN experience this year is the aviation themed Kid Zone, an engaging series of inflatable climbing walls, slides, bounce rooms and bungee challenges that will add to the thrills of the SUN 'n FUN experiences for the whole family. 

This year SUN 'n FUN will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Marine Aviation both in the air and on the ground.  The week will begin with a Tuesday evening performance of  the United States Marine Corps Concert Band from Parris Island. The celebration will crescendo on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. with the opportunity to witness the pageantry and precision of the “Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team and the United States Marine Corps Color Guard.

Thursday evening SUN ‘n FUN will present recording artist and accomplished pilot, Aaron Tippin, staring in the Commemorative Air Force Red, White & Loud Tour, featuring the CAF’s B-29 FIFI at the AOPA sponsored Florida Air Museum Pavilion.

Two other popular attractions at SUN 'n FUN are scheduled again this year. These include the popular Friday Night Airshow and Fireworks followed by the “dawn patrol” launch of the festive Hot Air Balloon “Hare and Hound” Race on Saturday morning.  Weather permitting, more than 25 balloonists are scheduled to ignite their burners, lift off above the shimmering morning landscape of Lakeland and create an exciting, colorful start to the weekend’s activities.

Visitors can look forward to a selection of quality, fairly priced snack and meal options during their visit.  Food and beverage services will be available throughout the show site with the greater selection menu items offered in the central food court area near the Indoor Exhibit Hangars.

SUN ʼn FUN’s Sunset Grill, which is rapidly becoming the place to “hang out” after the airshow, will offer a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Each evening Sunset Grill features a nightly schedule of popular live music acts throughout the week. 

A trip to SUN ‘n FUN would not be complete without stopping at the traditional corn roast and the new Sennheiser S1 Stage in SUN ʼn FUN’s campground.    

The close of each day will be punctuated by a schedule of evening programs beginning at 8:00 PM followed by the evening movie in the AOPA sponsored Florida Air Museum Pavilion that  include:


Tuesday: The United States Marine Corps Concert Band from Parris Island

Movie:  The Spirit of St Louis 

Wednesday:    Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 17, Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot; he and Gene Cernan were the last two humans to walk on the moon. Sponsored by NIKON

Movie: The  Great Waldo Pepper

Thursday:  Recording Artist Aaron Tippin starring in the multi-media CAF’s  Red, White & Loud Tour, featuring FIFI, the only flyable B-29 Superfortress. Sponsored by Scotts Miracle-Gro

Movie: Flyboys

Friday: Show Center.  The signature SUN 'n FUN Friday Night Airshow & fireworks.  Sponsored by FedEx
 
Movie: None this evening

Saturday:  Early 7:00 PM  start features a concert by the Flying Musicians, followed by Bill Riley and Joe Zeigler in the Ultimate Abbott & Costello Tribute Show and the Theresa Eaman, Retro-Songbird.
Movie: None this evening 
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For details on the full schedule of events and activities throughout the six days of SUN ʼn FUN click the FLY-IN tab.

Discounts for advanced weekly and daily tickets are now available here. Special online discounts are offered to members of the Florida Air Museum and to the members of twenty North American aviation organizations.  Special discounts are also available to active military personnel, new pilots certified during the past 12 months and pilots who fly-in to SUN 'n FUN.   A special (2 days for the price of 1) weekend discount package is available to Florida residents. Children 10 years or younger are FREE regardless of the discount package.
 
The entire SUN ʼn FUN staff and valued extended family of SUN ʼn FUN volunteers look forward to welcoming everyone to a week of aviation thrills. Secure your ticket today www.sun-n-fun.org.  Be part of the 2012 SUN ʼn FUN International Fly-In & Expo, March 27-April 1, in Lakeland, FL where you will find “Family Thrills, Aviation Style.”