Fun for All at this Fall Florida Festival

The date is set for the 2nd annual ACE’s Sun n’ Fun Holiday Fly-In Festival and Car Show, at their Florida Expo Campus.

Taking place on December 3rd and 4th, the expo is a fine excuse to head down and enjoy the temperate Florida autumn. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit scholarship programs and education at the Aerospace Center for Excellence. 

Any Sun n’ Fun event will sport some of the best aeronautical displays around, and the Holiday Festival is no exception. Featuring two days of airshows, crowds will see some of their favorite warbirds in action, with appearances by the F-35, F-16, and P-51. Aero teams will perform throughout the event as the Heritage, Black Daggers, and Paradigm teams show off their routines, as well as Jerry “Jive” Kerby. Static displays abound, as well as a show plane exhibition for every type. All are welcome, including warbirds, vintage, homebuilt, light sport and aerobatic aircraft. The Holiday Fly-In is open for any competitors to show off their planes. Saturday will see a visit from Santa Claus in his classic Stearman, as he picks up letters to the North Pole. 

The Florida Classic STOL competition will start on Friday, as competitors vie for the prize in the qualifying heats. Open practice begins on December 3rd preceding the first rounds later that day. Open to all competitors, with 125 aircraft competing for the top 6 spots in their class. On Saturday, the 4th, the top 30 will aim for the $12,500 cash prize as they push their short landing capabilities to the max. Registrants are encouraged to join via the National STOL website, limited to the first 125 entrants. 

The Car Show is open for participants for a small registration fee, and photo opportunities will be available for a shot next to a 1930 WACO Bi-Plane for additional purchase. Special Parking will be offered to C-1 Corvettes on Saturday, hosted by the Lakeland Corvette Club. Early purchase is recommended to avoid day-of-show pricing.

Tickets to attend are available online, as well as campground spots for those who would like to spend the night under their wings. Campgrounds are available for RV’s as well, with full hookups, or for traditional tent placement. Space is limited, so interested attendants are best served buying early. 

FMI: www.Flysnf.org, www.nationalstol.com