Fantasy of Flight Father's Day Weekend Salute:
Dads Admitted Free with One Paid Admission
-Plus-
'Greatest Dad' Contest Winner to Fly in WWII Fieseler Fi-156 Storch -
One of Only Four in the World!
For more information, contact:
Mary Deatrick, DPR
(407) 332-5212, mary@deatrickpr.com
For photography, click here
POLK CITY, Fla. (June 18, 2010) – Each day, Fantasy of Flight, home to the World's Greatest Aircraft Collection™ featuring rare and vintage aircraft, honors the pilots, crews, and designers of the world's most incredible aircraft. This Father’s Day Weekend – Thursday, June 17 to Sunday, June 20, 2010 – Fantasy of Flight honors the world’s most incredible dads, rewarding them with free general admission when accompanied by a paying guest. Offer valid June 17 – 20, 2010 only and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
This tribute to fathers is only one aspect of an even larger event that attracted attention from aviation fans across America. In response to its inaugural 'World's Greatest Dad’ competition, Fantasy of Flight received an overflow of essays from children nominating their dad for the honor. The competition was intense but, in the end, Emily Bakst's essay entry caught the attention of the judges and earned her father, Lee, recognition as the contest’s Grand Prize winner.
"My Dad encourages me to be exactly who I want to be," wrote Emily. "He wants me to experience the adventures that life has to offer. He has taught me to aim high and reach for the stars. I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with him."
And this weekend, Lee Bakst and his family will travel from their home in Tampa to "experience all the adventures" that Fantasy of Flight has to offer courtesy of multiple gifts included with the Grand Prize: Admission for four to Fantasy of Flight, an annual pass for four, a gift basket, complimentary lunch at the Compass Rose Diner, recognition during the Father’s Day aerial demonstration, and a behind-the-scenes tour with pilot, aviation historian, and restoration specialist Ken Kellett who will take the 'World's Greatest Dad' aloft for the most amazing gift of all, a once-in-a-lifetime thirty-minute flight in a WWII Fieseler Fi-156 Storch.
One of only four Fieseler F1-156 Storch airplanes in the world, the aircraft owned and displayed by Fantasy of Flight is still in top-notch flying condition. Powered by its original German Argus engine, the aircraft was designed by Fieseler in 1935 and is generally considered to be the best vintage "liaison" (or L-Bird) airplane ever designed. Liaison aircraft were small, slow flying aircraft used in World War II to observe enemy artillery or transport commanders or messengers. With its high-lift wings and fixed slots, it can take-off and land in less than 200 feet and has a stall speed less than 25 mph. It proved its worth throughout World War II, when more than 4,000 were ultimately built. Used on all fronts, its engine had a tendency to overheat, and the side cowls were generally left off in hot climates. Fans of vintage liaison planes prefer the Storch even more than the popular Mustang P-51. In the words of Fantasy of Flight founder and creator, Kermit Weeks,"The Storch is sexy"
The aircraft was involved in many significant events during World War II. "The Desert Fox," Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, flew in one throughout the North African Campaign, landing in troubled spots everywhere along the front lines. It was a Storch that rescued Italian dictator Mussolini from a hotel atop a mountain peak after Italian partisans captured him toward the end of the war, and it was a Storch that transported the bomb used in the attempt on Hitler's life in July of 1944. Less than a year later, during the final days of the war in Europe, famous German female test-pilot Hanna Reitsch flew a Storch into the heart of besieged Berlin, landing near the Brandenburg Gate to receive last minute instructions from Hitler.
Earning the second place prize is Paul Owen of Harmony, Florida, who was nominated for the honor by daughter, Chrissy Walsh. This weekend Paul will receive two free admissions plus an annual complimentary pass for he and Chrissy, gift basket, and complimentary lunch for two at the Compass Rose Diner. Receiving the third place honor is Randy Lee Hoog of Rockledge, who was nominated by wife, Heather Mae Hoog. Like his fellow fathers, Randy Lee will receive two free admissions plus an annual complimentary pass for himself, gift basket, and complimentary lunch for two at the Compass Rose Diner.
Receiving honorable mention and general admission for two to Fantasy of Flight are Brett Franklin Berner, nominated by Crystal Nichole Berner (Fort Myers); William J. Haggadone, nominated by Aaron Lindsey Ferrell (Orlando); Larry Ward, nominated by David Bradley Ward (Spring, TX); George Kassianides, nominated by Simone Behar (Orlando); Dixon Smith, nominated by Ryan Dixon Smith (Cincinnati, OH); Raymond F. Shumard, nominated by Mark J. Shumard (Altamonte Springs); and William (Bill) Curtis Lehr, Sr., nominated by William Curtis Lehr, Jr. (Brandon, MS).
While the judges of Fantasy of Flight's 'World's Greatest Dad' contest were only able to recognize a portion of the hundreds of entries they received, they recognize that every dad deserves a day to visit Fantasy of Flight and see some of the most impressive examples of rare and vintage on earth. And with dads receiving free admission with each paid admission, Father’s Day Weekend is the perfect time to be a dad.
Fantasy of Flight general admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. 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.
For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.
Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida’s premier 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 the country’s only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane. General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen – They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) – A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.
Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 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. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides, are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.