Fantasy of Flight’s Fourth Annual Roar n’ Soar Returns Veteran’s Weekend Nov. 13-14
U.S. Troops Honored in a BIG Way with World’s Largest Yellow Ribbon Constructed by Central Florida Students
For more information, contact:
Mary Deatrick, DPR
(407) 332-5212, mary@deatrickpr.com
Roar n’ Soar, Fantasy of Flight’s signature two-day extravaganza of the world’s finest classic land, sea and air racing machines ever built, returns for its fourth year bigger and better than ever.
The All-American-themed, family event will feature an even bigger combination of air demonstrations, classic car show and slalom competition, boat show and regatta and extreme sports showcase held at Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed attraction.
Roar n’ Soar takes place Sat., Nov. 13 and Sun., Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (gates open at 9 a.m.) at the attraction’s spacious lakefront grounds and airfield in Polk City, Fla., midway between Orlando and Tampa. Tickets are on sale now for the family-oriented event. (See information below.)
Throughout the two-day festival, the best of the best in aviation perform precision aerial maneuvers featuring the “World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection”™ including the Grumman Duck, P51-C and T-6 Texan. These daring pilots will be on hand between flights to greet guests and inspire the dreams of future pilots of all ages.
Challenging their full-size counterparts, giant-scale model aircraft will strut their stuff in their own demonstration of formation flying, precision aerobatics and aerial combat maneuvers that make it virtually impossible to believe that these aircraft are flown via remote control.
Adding to the weekend’s hold-your-breath excitement, a team of powered paragliders will compete in a “kiting” contest to see who can fly their glider the longest. Spectators can chant for their favorite or root for the under-dog while these paragliders fight to keep their competition from “stealing” their air or tugging on their line. For more “grounded” extreme sports, Red Trail Racing BMX Bike Team will perform gravity-defying tricks and stunts, led by Transworld Ride BMX amateur master winner Tyler Gilliard, Lakeland, Fla.
Meanwhile, classic car lovers will enjoy a stroll through the Rare, Antique, Classic & Exotic Car Show, marveling at classic and one-of-a-kind luxury automobiles including Jaguar, Austin-Healy, Ferrari, BMW and Porsche. These stunning cars aren’t just for show — many of them feature the horsepower and torque to kick up some dust in the sanctioned Jaguar Slalom competition, in which drivers of all types of classic cars will test their mettle by maneuvering through a cone-lined course on the hangar tarmac. Prime viewing spots along the course ensure that spectators won’t miss a second of the nail-biting, engine-revving action. This sanctioned event is courtesy of The Jaguar Club of Florida and Sun Coast Jaguar Clubs.
One of the most famous classic cars ever will make a rare weekend appearance at this year’s Roar n’ Soar. Fantasy of Flight is proud to welcome one of Dale Earnhardt’s original and most famous championship cars – the “Pass in the Grass” -- to the weekend event. Courtesy of private owner Bill Tower, Plant City, Fla., Earnhardt’s world famous “pass in the grass” Monte Carlo will be on hand for NASCAR and Earnhardt fans alike to touch, feel and see first-hand for themselves.
Serious collectors and adrenaline junkies can move off the sidelines to showcase their own vehicles and skills in a number of events. Speed through the slalom course, kick up some dirt with off-road RC races or proudly display pre-1985 vintage, classic, exotic or unusual cars, motorcycles and trucks. Online applications are available at www.roar-n-soar.com. Car clubs and groups of 15 or more can take advantage of special group rates.
Vintage race boats are just as plentiful at Roar n’ Soar, where the Classic Race Boat Association is hosting as many as 50 of the most elegant and powerful race boats ever built in exhibition fly-bys on the mile-and-a-half-course along scenic Lake Agnes. Boats and their drivers will be available between runs to meet with guests and take photos.
Veteran’s Weekend Salute
New this year and in honor of Veteran’s Day weekend, Fantasy of Flight wants to honor our troops in a BIG WAY, and hopefully set a Guinness World Record at the same time. Children from across Central Florida have been busy drawing holiday pictures or messages on yellow paper in an effort to make the World’s Largest Yellow Awareness Ribbon, which will be displayed during the Roar n’ Soar weekend. After the festivities have ended, Fantasy of Flight in cooperation with Marine Families of Polk County and other organizations will distribute the yellow paper cards in care packages being sent overseas to servicemen and women just in time for the holidays.
Anyone of any age is encouraged to participate. For more information on how to get involved in the World’s Largest Yellow Awareness Ribbon assembly, contact Jamie Brown at mfpc863@gmail.com or visit www.marinefamilies863.org. The yellow ribbon campaign is also supported by Cromer Press, Redd Paper Company and Domtar Paper Company.
Fantasy of Flight is also hosting a special “American Fighter Aces” Living History Symposium in honor of the country’s veterans. On Sat., Nov. 13, Cmdr. Ben Amsden, The Villages, Fla., VF-22, USS Cowpens, ACE F6F Hellcat, and Charles “Chuck” Haverland, Cocoa, Fla., VF-20, USS Enterprise and USS Lexington, ACE F6F Hellcat, will participate in the symposium. On Sun., Nov. 14, Capt. Tom Hardeman, Gainesville, Fla., 31st Fighter Group 4V+, P-51 Mustang Mediterranean; John Bolyard, Panama City, Fla., 23rd Fighter Group, 5V Ace P-51 Mustang China; Jack Lenox, Ocala, Fla., 14th Fighter Group, 5V P-38 Mediterranean; and Perry Dahl, Tampa, Fla., 475th Fighter Group, 9V P-38 South Pacific, will participate in the symposiums.
This elite group of combat pilots shot down five or more hostile aircraft in air-to-air combat in World Wars I and II, as well as Korea and Vietnam. Out of more than 40,000 fighter pilots trained during World War II, only 1,314 had the skill and bravery to become an American Fighter Ace. The WWII original Top Guns will share their daring tales of aerial warfare in an up-close and personal forum with Fantasy of Flight guests, followed by an autograph and meet-and-greet session.
Guests can pick up a special keepsake reminder of their day at Fantasy of Flight’s Roar n’ Soar with the purchase of a piece of award-winning artwork from nationally acclaimed aviation artist and pilot Sam Lyons, who will be exhibiting at the event. Lyons’ prints and paintings can be found at the Blue Angels headquarters, The Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, Air Force Museum, Naval Aviation Museum and Royal Air Force Museum.
Finally, for children, the fun never stops at Roar n’ Soar. Special “Kid’s Crew” children’s activities are offered as part of the event. Kids can try their hand at flying their own hot air balloon and hang gliding simulators in Fantasy of Flight’s “Fun with Flight.”
Guests can also save by receiving one FREE child’s admission (ages 6-15) with each paid adult ticket. Offer is good on both pre-purchased and day-of event tickets. Guests cannot combine offers, discounts or coupons. One offer per each ticket purchase only.
One-day tickets are available for adults for just $23.00 (including tax) per person with one child ages 6-15 FREE ($12 value) with a paying adult. Additional one-day child tickets may be purchased for $12.00 (including tax) per child, ages 6-15.
Two-day tickets are available for adults for just $38.00 (including tax) per person with one child ages 6-15 FREE ($19 value) with a paying adult. Additional two-day child tickets may be purchased for $19.00 (including tax). Children 5 and younger are free. Active military and veterans may purchase a weekend event pass for just $15.00 (including tax) per person and receive a free weekend pass for a child. Valid Military ID required at time of purchase. Discounted rate is not valid for additional guests.
Admission to Fantasy of Flight is also included in event admission.
For more information or to purchase Roar n’ Soar tickets, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.roar-n-soar.com.