LAKELAND, Fla. – SUN ‘n FUN hosted a live online airshow benefit on Saturday.


What You Need To Know

  • Sun 'n Fun hosts live online airshow

  • The benefit show featured performers from across the country

  • Organizers hope the event brings in much-needed donations

The event was held because the international fly-in was canceled due to the pandemic. 

The online airshow, hosted live on Facebook and YouTube, consisted of performers from across the country, including aviation legend Patty Wagstaff and United States Air Force Captain Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, who is a part of the F-35 A Lightning II Demonstration Team.

The show also included the live Space X Launch and commentary from retired astronaut Nicole Stott. 

The show lasted about four hours and had about 100 viewers at any given time. 

Facing an 80 percent funding shortage due to the canceling of the SUN’n’Fun International Fly-in and Airshow, organizers with the Aerospace Center for Excellence are hoping the online airshow will bring in some much-needed donations.

“We really, really need it in order to keep these programs going,“ said Greg Gibson, the airshow director. 

The donations will go toward pilot scholarships for students and also help fund the Aerospace Center for Excellence educational stem programs.