Sun ’n Fun 2012 Gears Up for Opening Day

Pia Bergqvist

Monday, March 26, 2012 at 11:13 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Sun 'n Fun 2012 aims to avoid the severe weather and operational issues of its 2011 event by becoming the first "National Weather Service StormReady" certified aviation show.
Significant infrastructure improvements include raised parking lots, improved access roads, and a new traffic flow pattern to reduce flooding and long lines.
The event features a new announcer, Rob Reider, and highlights include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the B-29 Superfortress FiFi, and a tribute to American heroes.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Sun ‘n Fun‘s organizers are hoping the 2012 edition of its annual International Fly-In and Expo, held in Lakeland, Florida, this week will be nothing like 2011’s tornado-plagued event, where multiple airplanes were destroyed and visitors ran for shelter from pelting rain and flying debris.

While a repeat of last year’s storm is highly unlikely, Sun ‘n Fun has enhanced the safety and efficiency of the show. The show has become a National Weather Service StormReady event — the first aviation event to achieve this certification, said Sun ‘n Fun’s new president and CEO, John “Lites” Leenhouts.