Popular Event Returns after Two-Year COVID Hiatus

In addition to being a popular Steve Martin-John Candy comedy vehicle, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a beloved, one-day community event presented by Tampa International Airport (TPA). The hootenanny, held annually since 2010 at west-central Florida’s Plant City Airport (PCM), features a wide variety of family activities.

In 2020, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles was among the last public events held prior to the shuttering of the civilized world on account of COVID. Comes now 2023, and the popular event—after a two-year hiatus—returns on 22 April for its 11th iteration. Event gates will open at 10:00 EST and the fun will go on until 15:00 EST.

Slated to be on-hand at PT&A 2023 are numerous static displays of real aircraft, displays and demonstrations of Radio Controlled (RC) aircraft, and operating model train layouts. The event’s lineup also features first-responder vehicles and personnel along with train safety vehicles and equipment. In addition, a major LEGO display comprising replicas of all modes of transportation is scheduled.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles 2023 will also feature hands-on stations for kids, including STEM education exhibits and flight simulators from SUN ‘n FUN’s Aerospace Center for Excellence. More adventurous kids will have opportunity to avail themselves of Young Eagles discovery flights conducted by the Plant City Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1178. Scout merit badge opportunities, a pinewood derby, and a slew of additional activities are also planned.

Younger children will enjoy inflatable bounce houses and other age-appropriate activities and adventures.

Food trucks will provide first-rate comestibles and local vendors will showcase their respective products and services throughout the event.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles event founder and committee chairman Jason Jones set forth: “Planes, Trains, & Automobiles has become one of Plant City’s signature events that we really look forward to; to have it return post-COVID to serve our community is really exciting.”

Mr. Jones added: “The purpose of the event has always been to give families an affordable day together, discovering the wonders of transportation, introducing them to not only aircraft and aviation opportunities at their local airport but a wide variety of ‘how things work’ displays and fun educational activities to capture the imaginations of our local youth.”

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is managed by the Tampa Bay Aviation Association and presented by Tampa International Airport. In addition to promoting and delivering the highly-anticipated community event, the organization will be accepting donations and committing proceeds (after expenses) to fund aviation scholarship programs for local youth. Subject scholarships will help offset the cost of recipients’ flight, A&P mechanic, and aviation career training.

The Tampa Bay Aviation Association and Tampa International Airport invite one and all to partake in the fun and learning at Planes, Trains, and Automobiles 2023.

Event parking is free, and ticket pricing is $7.25 online in advance, $10 at the gate.

FMI: www.mytbaa.org, www.mytbaa.org/PTA