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Sun ‘n Fun is preparing for its 50th year in 2024, talking about what to expect in a live feed on Tuesday afternoon. Host Amanda Holly sat down with CEO and President of Sun ‘n Fun Gene Conrad for the very first Countdown to Sun ‘n Fun. The pair interviewed several guests to talk about the upcoming 50th-anniversary event in April.RELATED STORIES:Top performers committing to EAA AirVenture 2024 air showsWhy are air show performer announcements made in December?The interactive livestream dove in with Conrad thanking the countless volunteers over the years who have kept the annual event running, as well as sharing numerous updates for the year. Conrad said this year they are bringing back "The Island," which is there to service the fly-in guests. He said he has read the comments from attendees and guests and the team will be addressing numerous concerns before the event. Conrad said the Future in Flight Plaza, right past the front gate, will feature a hub of activity. The plaza will contain the career fair, the Junior Aces youth program and the merchandise tent. The Future in Flight Plaza will also host the Innovation Showcase, featuring the latest next-gen technology like eVTOLs and forums. The international tent will also make a comeback in the post-pandemic world.
For the first time, the show is featuring an opening day concert. On April 9 at 6:00 p.m., guests can enjoy live music near the stage on the Warbird Ramp. The tickets are $45 per person and included in the price of admission. The opening day concert will feature musical guests Trace Adkins and Sara Evans. The entertainment experiences offered include daily airshows and the iconic night airshow, featuring performers and fireworks. Conrad said there will be daycare options during the nighttime event so parents can have some time to enjoy the show. The night show will be in full effect on Wednesday, including an explosive firework show. The 2024 year will also see some unique additions to the firework show which have not been unveiled yet.
Director of the 9/27 Club, Nancy Leenhouts joined the hosts to discuss offerings for the 2024 event. Get a ticket for the club and enjoy air conditioning to spend some time out of the Florida sun. A weekly ticket to the 9/27 Club gives you VIP access to the opening day concert. Leenhouts said the Saturday tickets are already sold out and a wait list may be in the works.
Executive Director of Events, Laura Vaughn said Sun ‘n Fun is still looking for volunteers for the 2024 event as well as year-round programs. Volunteer roles include security, parking, admissions and transportation. Volunteers help to run the event and play an integral role in the yearly airshow. There is still time to volunteer and be a part of the 50th anniversary of Sun ‘n Fun.
Conrad talked about the airshow lineup. Conrad said the complete lineup has not been revealed online yet and more names will be released as the event gets closer. Airshow performers named so far include the Tora Tora Tora Airshows, the recently renamed TITAN Aerobatic Team and the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team. A new addition is the F-18 Rhino Demo Team. Some of the teams will be arriving ahead of the event to practice and some performers will be included in the night show. The Commemorative Air Force will be bringing an incredible selection of warbirds like the B-29, B-24, P-51 and T-34 to name a few. Conrad said there is more to come and to stay tuned for special announcements in the coming weeks. The airshow schedule is expected to be released in late February.h
Sun ‘n Fun has been a volunteer-driven event from the start, offering aviation enthusiasts a place to gather and enjoy the thrills of the sky, while offering young people exciting and educational opportunities and programs. The Aerospace Center for Excellence, an organization behind Sun ‘n Fun, engages the next generation of aviation professionals. The center offers aviation opportunities in the local community through STEM programs and aviation-related activities. Director of Education at the center, Kimberly Brewer, announced a new segment called Wing Tips. Brewer said last year the Junior Aces program, for children from ages seven to 17, will return this year. The program offers activities like working to design a Junior Aces deck of cards, 3D-printed balloon rocket cars and simulators.
Holly and Conrad answered view questions at the end. They said the Saturday airshow will be live-streamed this year for the first time. The live Countdown show will take place again in February and March, announcing new updates and additions to the airshow performer list. Daily lives will also take place during the event to keep attendees and enthusiasts informed during the week.
Sun ‘n Fun will take place April 9-14 this year.