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The entrance of the Sun ‘n Fun airshow. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund.
The annual Sun ‘n Fun airshow is just around the corner. Sun ‘n Fun is held at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) in Florida every spring. Sun ‘n Fun usually kicks off airshow season as one of the first shows of the year and the 2023 show starts on March 28th and ends on April 2nd. Here are some of the must-see attractions at this year's show.
Night airshow
The night airshow is scheduled twice throughout the week. The show takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights. The sky above Lakeland lights up with pyrotechnics and astonishing aerobatic maneuvers. The best way to end the evening is on a picnic blanket or camping chair watching the sunset as the night show begins.
Sun setting over Lakeland as the night show began. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund.
Sun n Fun 5k
Walkers and runners can participate in the 3.1-mile race on the airport's taxiways. The 5k is on Saturday morning and is a great way to exercise while enjoying the hot air balloon launch at sunrise. Participants receive a medal as well as snacks when they cross the finish line. Shirts are also included with the race fee. In 2022, the race had participants run past the Thunderbirds parked on the tarmac. Every year there are fun aircraft parked along the route.
Air Force Thunderbirds parked alongside the 5k route in 2022. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund.
Exhibitors
Hundreds of exhibitors line the hangars at the Lakeland airport. The exhibitors sell anything you might need for flight training or owning an aircraft. The career fair hangar is another exhibit you won't want to miss. The hangar is full of airline and cargo recruiters. This is a great way to get a foot in the door and pick up some cool swag from your favorite airline. Attendees could spend days checking out all the exhibitors at the show.
STOL competitions
The short take-off and landing (STOL) competition is fun to watch during Sun ‘n Fun. A makeshift-grass runway is made for the competition every year. The goal is to takeoff and land in the shortest distance possible. The competitors have their airplanes modified to assist them in reducing takeoff and landing distances. The competition is fun to watch, and the skill of the pilots will have your attention glued to the show.
Aircraft performing at the 2022 Sun ‘n Fun STOL competition. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund.
Forums
Throughout the week, there are informative forums scheduled. The forums range from buying an aircraft, owning an aircraft, building an aircraft, aircraft maintenance, flight training tips and aviation influencers. There is a forum for almost every aviation niche. There is a list of forums on Sun ‘n Fun's website. Make sure to check out the forums that interest you the most!
Corn roast and movie
Every night in the Sun ‘n Fun campground a movie is projected for attendees to gather around and watch. A corn roast is held during the movie for those to purchase roasted corn and beverages. Fresh sweet corn is a must-try food item throughout the week. Grab a blanket and enjoy one of your favorite movies.
Airshow performers
Last but not least, enjoy the airshow performances. The Blue Angels are scheduled for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The F-35 demo team will also be making appearances throughout the week. Another must-see performance is by the Aeroshell team. Other notable performers are Patty Wagstaff, Jim Peitz, and Greg Koontz. It is easy to get sucked into all the fun in the museum, hangars, and forums and miss some incredible airshow performances. One of the best places to watch these performers is in the warbird area. Seat tickets can be purchased in the warbird area to have one of the best viewing spots on the airfield.
Sun ‘n Fun 2023 is approaching. This is an event you won't want to miss. The event is a great time for all aviation enthusiasts. The sunny Florida weather makes the airshow the perfect spot to kick off the airshow season. Whether you attend for a day or the week, you will not run out of things to do or see.