| Fun Facts of the 15th
A continuing series of reflections in celebration of Fantasy of Flight's 15th birthday
Fantasy of Flight
Opened with a BANG 
At 11:00 PM on November 11, 1995, 1000 Fantasy of Flight Opening Gala guests were transported back in time by a ground-rumbling sound-scape and heart-quickening pyro-technical simulation of a World War II bombing raid. The explosions ripped through the airfield, culminating in a 200-foot wall of flame that proclaimed "Fantasy of Flight has arrived!" Folks who were there still talk about it with astonishment. The air raid was the climax of an unforgettable event featuring guests in formal period dress, a glorious World War II atmosphere, costumed characters, fireworks, a Big Band AND a Rock-n-Roll band, choreographed reveals of facility features, delectable food, champagne... champagne... and more champagne. 
Jesse Douthit, Fantasy of Flight's original contractor who now serves as VP of Orlampa Inc., recalls, "It was a big celebration that marked the physical realization of Kermit's vision. As we look back now, we see that the celebration foreshadowed a vision bigger than we realized even then." Fantasy of Flight founder Kermit Weeks adds, "It was a great party but, looking back, it was a more significant milestone than we knew. We thought we were opening a great airplane museum; we later realized it was to become a unique aviation attraction; and now its morphing into the next generation of the theme park industry!" The journey continues... | | | 
 - Classic Race Boats
- Vintage and Exotic Cars
- Sanctioned Slalom Course
- Vintage Airplane Demonstrations
- Short Course R/C Truck & Buggy Racing
- Giant Scale Radio Control Aircraft
- Powered Paragliders
- Hang Gliders
- Admission to Fantasy of Flight
- Great Food
- Special Live Entertainment
- Kids Activities
Click here to purchase Roar n' Soar general admission tickets. Kids Free with each paid adult admission | More than 20 years ago the late Dale Earnhardt performed the legendary "pass in the grass" maneuver during the 1987 NASCAR All-Star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The original No. 3 Wrangler Chevrolet Dale Earnhardt was driving during that famous race will be among the standout vehicles at the 4th Annual Roar n' Soar. | | World's Largest Yellow Ribbon Under Construction at Fantasy of Flight 
As part of the 4th Annual Roar n' Soar event, Fantasy of Flight is building the world's largest commemorative yellow ribbon, featuring messages and drawings that will ultimately be sent to service men and women all over the world! You can still participate. Simply drop off your message or drawing ON YELLOW PAPER or pick up yellow paper at Fantasy of Flight. If you have a group, troop, school, club that wants to participate, call Fantasy of Flight, 863-984-3500, and the paper will be delivered to you! Check out the progress and the great art in Fantasy of Flight's gallery. | | 15th Anniversary Celebration: 15 Flights in 3 Days Annual Pass Holders will get extra value on Thanksgiving weekend: November 26 to 28. In celebration of Fantasy of Flight's fantastic 15th birthday, Kermit Weeks will fly 15 different aircraft over the three day weekend. The flight list is still under construction and flight schedules are always subject to change depending on weather, flight conditions, and mechanical status. However, the list currently sports some collection favorites, including both Mustangs, Grumman Duck, Piper L-4 Grasshopper, North American AT-6, Travel Air 4000, Poikarpov Po-2, Ford and Stinson Tri-Motors, Nord Stampe, Fieseler Storch, AVRO Cadet, Bucker Bestmann... plus some special surprises AND once-in-a-lifetime "open cockpit" opportunities! You don't want to miss this! Click here to learn more. | | | | | | A Super Birthday Present | 
| | Mayor Hamman and Kermit Weeks | "I Richard Hamman, acting under the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Auburndale, do hereby congratulate Fantasy of Flight and its proprietor Mr. Kermit Weeks on the 15th Anniversay of Fantasy of Flight and hereby proclaim November 21, 2010 as "Fantasy of Flight Day." | | Fantasy of Flight and the Polk County Library Cooperative invite you to
Meet Tuskegee Airman George Hardy
Saturday, November 6, 2010 - 10:00 am & 2:00 pm: The Tuskegee Story read aloud. Ideal for kids 4 to 8 years old.
- Noon: Official Presentation
- 12:30 pm: Meet Tuskegee Airman George Hardy
- Continuous: Screenings of Silver Wings and Civil Rights, an award-winning documentary film
Winter Haven Public Library,325 Avenue A, NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 For More Information: sconner@fantasyofflight.com | | Rare Electric Sailplane Contest at Fantasy of Flight On October 23, at Gene Wooley Field/Fantasy of Flight, Mid-Florida Radio Control Club hosted the first electric sailplane contest ever in Florida. Excellent weather and 70 successful flights guaranteed a beautiful day... and to top it off, Fantasy of Flight's own Kermit Weeks dropped by to visit in the vintage German Fieseler Storch. | Fantasy of Flight Welcomes a Batch of Pups  Everyday at Fantasy of Flight is an adventure, but few can top the days that Century Aviation visits with their big truck. Just last month they delivered two Sopwith Pups repaired for the Fantasy of Flight collection--one of which had suffered during the Hurricane Andrew melee (see September newsletter). All these historic aircraft need now are some instruments, fabric, a couple of engines, and they will be ready to return to the sky. The Sopwith Pup is a deeply honored British World War I aircraft that was light, maneuverable, and eager to climb. Even Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron) remarked, "We saw at once that the enemy airplane was superior to ours," after encountering the Pup in combat. Also notable is the fact that in 1917 the Sopwith Pup was the first aircraft to land aboard a moving ship! | 
| | Century Aviation's Karen Barrow receives thanks from G. Willie for safe delivery of the Pups. | | | Pinktober Fundraiser a Blast! 
The World Cup of Paintball competition raised spirits, bruises, and--in the case of the "Take Aim at Breast Cancer" booth--funds! 
Proceeds from the booth benefit Breast Cancer Research and the resulting artwork will be donated to Cassidy Cancer Center. | 
| | Dr. Robert Cassell, Medical Director of Cassidy Cancer Center at Winter Haven Hospital, led the charge. (Photo: Clyde Bielss) | | | Connect with Fantasy of Flight  
 
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