Sun 'n Fun on track to open March 31

Ticket sales have been strong for the event scheduled for March 31 to April 5 at Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida. All advertised speakers and performers have confirmed their appearances, and actions are being taken on site “to ensure the highest standards of health and safety for our attendees, staff, and volunteers,” in response to concerns about the spreading coronavirus, the Sun ’n Fun organization said March 10 in announcing its decision to go on with the show.

“Sun ’n Fun is in constant communication with medical professionals, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and government agencies to coordinate and plan for a safe event with appropriate precautions in place,” it said.

Under the event’s health and safety plan, there will be increased availability of disinfectant wipes and spray in common areas and activity spaces, and additional hand sanitizer for restrooms. The more than 3,500 event volunteers will receive updated training on best health practices, and dedicated response teams will be on standby “to quickly clean up spills, trash, and other potential health hazards.” Regular deep sanitizing of restrooms and food preparation areas is planned, according to the announcement.

The organization also published a Public Health and Safety Newsletter with information and resources for attendees.

Sun ’n Fun encouraged attendees to stick to their plans to attend the convention if they feel well. “However, we do ask all attendees to monitor their condition prior to travel, as well as review the CDC travel guidelines,” the announcement said.

Some of the performers and demonstrations scheduled at Sun ’n Fun include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the F–35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, star aerobatic pilot Rob Holland, Lewis Air Legends, Warbirds in Review, a Boeing C–17 Globemaster III demonstration, STEMTastic Expo, a short takeoff and landing competition, concerts by Wicked Truth and Aaron Tippin, drone light shows, and more than 500 exhibitors.

Aviation jobs website JSfirm.com will host the seventh annual Sun 'n Fun Career Fair April 2 through 4 with 22 aviation companies conducting onsite interviews for job opportunities.

Like other organizations with large events scheduled, Sun ’n Fun was closely monitoring planning for public gatherings including the responses of major theme parks, and urged those planning to come to Lakeland to monitor Sun ’n Fun’s communications “as more information becomes available surrounding COVID-19.”

In Europe, where the coronavirus outbreak is more advanced than in the United States, Germany’s annual Aero Friedrichshafen event, scheduled to begin April 1, was postponed to a date not yet determined.