PLANT CITY – Like the popular movie of the same name, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” has become one of Central Florida’s transportation-themed events over the past 15 years.
On Saturday the 12th,th The annual plane, train and car rally hosted by Tampa International Airport is held at Plant City Airport. Held annually since 2010 (events canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic) Planes, Trains, and Automobiles features real aircraft, radio-controlled airplanes and demonstrations, and large-scale automobiles. There will be shows and model train layouts in operation.
The event will run from 10am to 3pm and will also feature a large Lego display with all manner of transportation. In addition, emergency response vehicles and personnel, as well as train safety vehicles and equipment, will also be located there.
The event also features science, technology, engineering and math exhibits and experience stations for kids, including a flight simulator from SUN ‘n FUN’s Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland.
Coordinator Greg Gibson said Plains Trains and Automobiles events include the Young Eagles Discovery Flight conducted by Plant City Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1178, Scout Merit Badge Opportunities, and the Pinewood Derby. It was said that this includes. For younger children, there are bounce houses and other fun activities.
Gibson, a commercial pilot and former Sun ‘n Fun air show director, said the event is aimed at introducing families and children to different modes of transportation.
“This allows people to go to the airport and understand its function in the community, as well as watch a car show and see the rail layout and safety presentations from rail authorities. Yes, we can. There was some recognition,” said Gibson, who is in his third year as the planes, trains and automobiles event coordinator.
Gibson estimates that 3,000 to 4,000 people from Central Florida and other areas visit the event each year. He said there is a lot to do in a “relatively compact space” that is expected to include five food trucks and 40 to 50 vendors.
Throughout the day, visitors can vote for their favorite cars, planes and radio-controlled airplanes, and trophies will be won based on the public vote. A model train will be operating on-site, along with a toy train that guests can sit on and take photos with. CSX Transportation plans to bring a new train display to his PTA, with 20 to 30 of his planes up for judging, as well as show planes, regular aircraft and about 75 cars at the car show. It will be exhibited at.
All first responder stations in Plant City will have exhibits on-site, including police SWAT vehicles, and the Hillsborough County Aviation Department will have a K-9 dog demonstration.
Event committee chair and founder Jason Jones said the demonstration was part of how planes, trains and automobiles introduced adults and children to the “wonder of transportation”.
“The aim of this event has always been to encourage families to discover the wonders of transportation, and to introduce them not only to planes and aviation opportunities at local airports, but also to a variety of ‘how it works’ exhibits and fun educational activities. , is an affordable way to spend the day together. to capture the imagination of local youth,” he said in a written statement.
A 12-member committee organizes the event showcase. Approximately 30 volunteers are needed on-site to keep the event running smoothly, including volunteers from the Hillsborough County Aviation Department and Plant City. Other volunteers include pilots from the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program, who will fly approximately 130 children in the hope that some of them will transition into aviation as a career. are doing.
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Proceeds and donations from TIA-sponsored events will be used to fund scholarships, with $4,000 raised in 2023 and potentially awarded for student flight training, mechanic schooling, and professional career education. Gibson said the event committee hopes to double that this year and give matching grants.
“This is a very inexpensive county event, and there are many events that take place within the county line. It’s a great event for families, and it’s just a short drive away and easily accessible,” Gibson said. Told. “If you want a simple and inexpensive way to spend your day with your family, this is the perfect way.”
if you go
what: 12th Annual Planes, Trains and Automobiles hosted by Tampa International Airport
when: February 10th from 10am to 3pm
where: Plant City Airport, 4007 Airport Road
Fee: $7.50 in advance online, $10 at the gate.Free parking
information: Visit www.mytbaa.org/PTA or call 813-507-1799.