Sun ’N Fun Fly-In Celebrates 35 Years in 2009

LAKELAND, FL – The Sun ’n Fun Fly-In will celebrate its 35th anniversary when the gates open for the annual April event, scheduled for April 21-26, 2009, at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, FL.

In 1975, the first fly-in was held over a weekend in January and was called the "Mid-Winter Sun ’n Fun." It was limited primarily to pilots, but by 1976, the event was expanded to a full week, moved to the Southwest corner of Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, and was opened to the public on a limited basis. In its third year (1977) a freak snowstorm threatened to dampen spirits and impact attendance, but the event drew record numbers and Sun ’n Fun was recognized as one of the world’s premier aviation events. In 1980, the fly-in was moved from January to March and, in 1988, was moved again to April where it has remained for more than 30 years.

Sun ’n Fun, which is dedicated to its mission of sharing aviation with all people through education, information, and inspiration, recently set Fly-In dates through 2020 as follows:

• 2009 April 21-26
• 2010 April 13-18
• 2011 April 5-10
• 2012 April 17-22
• 2013 April 9-14
• 2015 April 14-19
• 2016 April 5-10
• 2017 April 4-9
• 2018 April 10-15
• 2019 April 9-14
• 2020 April 21-26

"Sun ’n Fun has benefitted tremendously from the talent, energy and enthusiasm of our volunteers and staff, the leadership of our Board and ongoing support from participants and guests, as well as our loyal exhibitors, the City of Lakeland, Polk County and the State of Florida," says John Burton, Sun ’n Fun’s President and Convention Chairman. "Sun ’n Fun’s success is a direct result of their combined efforts."

"Sun ’n Fun’s annual attendance during the six-day event averages approximately 160,000. The economic impact to Lakeland and Polk County is estimated at more than $27 million annually based on a University of South Florida economic impact study.

"For more information visit www.sun-n-fun.org.