It’s that time of year again. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s that time of year when the weather still is favorable enough that many of us can go sans A/C at home. And starting Tuesday, the hum of EVERYTHING will be drowned out by hundreds of airplanes flying over my neighborhood- and your’s, too- during the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In.
I won’t lie. The sounds of the airplanes wear on me after a while. But I recently learned some interesting facts that, in light of these tough economic times, have made me feel grateful that our fair city has such an event.
At my Lakeland Kiwanis Club meeting a couple of weeks ago, John Burton, president of Sun ‘n Fun, shared some interesting facts about the air show. Here are the highlights:
Sun ‘n Fun is the largest festival in Florida and the second largest event of its kind in the world.
The Lakeland airport becomes the busiest airport in the world during this event.
Visitors from 70 countries and all 50 states attended last year’s event.
More than 160,000 people attended Sun ‘n Fun last year.
About 4,500 airplanes flew in for the event last year.
This one impressed me the most: the regional economic impact of this event is $27 million.
No one knows what kind of effect the economy will have on this year’s event, but it is my hope that Sun ‘n Fun attracts as many airplanes and visitors as it has in the past. Sure, the planes may be loud, the restaurants may be overcrowded and you may get asked for directions by strangers over the next week. But think about this: Sun ‘n Fun has attracted more than 35 million people to Polk County and Central Florida over the years, according to Burton. These people spend their money here and tell their friends what they thought of the place. This event is good for us!
If you go, here are some of the highlights Burton said you can expect to see this year:
A host of WWII aircraft
The U.S. Army Golden Parachute Team- this will be their first appearance at Sun ‘n Fun
Rocket Racing demonstrations
A night air show on Friday
A hot-air balloon launch on Saturday
Earth Day activities all week long in honor of the April 22 holiday
Bio: This is a creative outlet and soapbox for Lorrie Delk Walker where, at times, she has stuck her foot so far into her mouth, surely she has quashed any hopes of ever being elected to public office. Lorrie is a writer, avid recycler, small-time chicken farmer, SPCA foster parent and fan of all things Downtown Lakeland. Posts from Delk Walker's popular blog, Takes From the Delk Side, were added to the Lakeland Local archives and can be found here.
Planes and Trains
1 year ago
Hundreds of airplanes and an economic impact of $27 million. The CSX deal would result in 4 extra trains, accompanied by $45 million in crossing improvements and other infrastructure in and near Lakeland, not including the Winter Haven ILC.