| POLK CITY, Fla. (July 21, 2009) - Kermit Weeks, creator and founder of Central Florida's premier aviation-themed attraction, Fantasy of Flight, will once again participate in the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration - the 2009 EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) AirVenture Oshkosh, an annual international aviation event started in 1953 and held in Oshkosh, Wis. since 1969.
A longtime member of the EAA and 15-year member of its Board of Directors, Weeks will attend the air show Monday, July 27 through Thursday, July 30, to conduct several readings of his award-winning children's book, "All of Life is a School" (KWIP Publishing, $19.95) in the show's "KidVenture" area, as well as the Author's Corner located in the EAA Warehouse near Aeroshell Square, and to sign copies for fans of all ages. The first-time children's author recently received a Bronze IPPY Award in the 13th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards for his inspirational tale of Gee Bee Zee, a little yellow monoplane with his head in the clouds and a big dream in his heart.
The attraction founder, aircraft designer and former aerobatics champ will also sign copies of his audio CD "We are the Past, Fantasy of Flight Audio Experiences," as well as his reality-show-style DVD, "The Wizard of Orlampa: The Yellow Brick Road," in which he shows viewers what it takes to maintain the world's largest collection of rare and vintage aircraft. Fans can get a firsthand feel for Weeks' passion for aviation, as well as his vision for the future of the attraction, during several screenings of the DVD throughout AirVenture 2009. Weeks will personally introduce the program, which will be shown at the EAA Museum Theater (see AirVenture schedule for show times). Weeks' Fantasy of Flight booth can be found in the EAA Warehouse near Aersoshell Square.
Weeks will also support the EAA's Gathering of Eagles Gala and Auction, which will take place Thursday evening, July 30th, to raise funds for youth education, historic preservation and inspirational endeavors that prepare youth to become the aviators, engineers and innovators of tomorrow. One lucky bidder will receive an incredible one-day adventure at Fantasy of Flight, in which he or she will spend the day with Weeks and enjoy a personalized "vision tour," lunch and a ride in a historic aircraft.
Kermit Weeks has served on the Board of Directors for the EAA for 15 years and has been a member of the organization since 1969, when he was just 16 years old. In late 2008, Weeks was selected to join some of the greatest pilots in Florida history as a member of the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame and is also one of the "Living Legends of Aviation." A pilot and aircraft designer, Weeks has placed among the top three aerobatics champions in the world five times and has won more than 20 medals in World Aerobatics Championships. The aviation enthusiast began restoring and preserving antique aircraft in the 1970s and today owns more than 140 civilian and military planes which he has been displaying for the enjoyment of the public at his Polk City attraction, Fantasy of Flight, since 1995. The attraction is the only one in the world that offers daily aerial demonstrations featuring rare, vintage aircraft. It also features daily tours of the restoration shops where craftsmen work to restore and rebuild aircraft to flyable condition.
For more information about EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, visit www.airventure.org.
For more information about Weeks and his adventures, check out his personal blog at http://blog.kermitweeks.com/.
Fantasy of Flight is an aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; flight simulators; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and an Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting). Recent additions to Fantasy of Flight attractions include The Tuskegee Airmen - They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - A Passionate Pursuit and a walking audio tour.
Hours are 10 am - 5 pm daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Hot air balloon rides and biplane rides are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 1-863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com. ### |
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