In 1974, SUN ‘n FUN was created by a small group of dedicated aviation enthusiasts. The annual event, held in April, has grown into the second largest event of its kind in the world and is Florida’s largest annual convention. The six-day event on 2,200 acres has been recorded to have a $64,000,000 direct and indirect economic impact on the I-4 corridor in Central Florida as media from around the world cover the event that offers, jet teams, aerospace related exhibits; educational forums, aircraft static displays, professional gatherings of aviation and economic development groups; daily and evening airshows that include adrenaline pumping aerobatics, a veterans plaza and women in aviation arenas. Light Sport aircraft flies above parking areas and many performers are seen on the grounds with vendors and students. Youth activities that include a new young pilot campground; International visitors hospitality; evening entertainment, a womens’ pavilion and souvenir shops are highlights for visitors from more than 80 countries. Held at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, FL, air traffic movements for the event elevates the airport to the ‘busiest in the world’ for one week.

For the other 51 weeks of each year, activities on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus include public and private events in the facilities on nearly 200 acres. The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE Educational Facilities) has introduced Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum in a dynamic fashion as it incorporates aviation history into hands-on interactive learning stations for students of all ages.

SUN ‘n FUN makes more than $430,000 of scholarship funds available annually to students in Polk County entering an Aerospace Industry career to cover the cost of flight lessons and/or college tuition for 4 years. An estimated $2.1m is invested by SUN ‘n FUN to augment public education programs in Polk County annually.