(Lakeland, Fla.) Mark your calendars for aviation’s season opener! The 42nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo presented by VISIT FLORIDA is April 5-10, 2016 in sunny Lakeland, Florida. This year’s theme is Honoring Our Armed Forces. The International Fly-In & Expo 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.
Active military personnel with appropriate ID will receive free admission Tuesday – Thursday, and discounted tickets Friday – Sunday at the gate. Retired military with appropriate ID will receive discounted tickets Tuesday – Sunday at the gate.
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.
Over 50 airshow performers have been scheduled, including:
- Breitling Jet Team
- U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
- U.S. Navy F-18 Hornet Demo
- USAF F-16 Viper demo
- USMC aerial demo
- U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue demos
- U.S. Navy Legacy Flight – back after three years, a dramatic formation flight with modern tactical jet and vintage WWII fighters!
- Daily Vintage Warbird Flying Showcase featuring EAA Warbirds of America
- U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight
