Local Aviation Leaders Promote Clinton County at Renowned SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

By Emily Wright

FLORIDA— One of the world’s most prominent aviation events is underway in Lakeland, Florida, from Tuesday, April 1 through Sunday, April 6, 2025. The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo draws aviation enthusiasts from across the globe annually, and this year, Clinton County’s own Ron Dremel, President of the Piper Aviation Museum, and Cal Arter, Vice President of the museum and Director of the Sentimental Journey Fly-in are in attendance with a mission to put a spotlight on Clinton County and its rich aviation heritage.

Thanks to a grant from the Clinton County Visitors Bureau, Dremel and Arter are using this international stage to promote the Sentimental Journey Fly-in, the Piper Aviation Museum, the William T. Piper Airport, and Clinton County as a whole. Dremel and Arter’s presence helps to raise awareness about Lock Haven’s aviation history and promote tourism.

Arter and Dremel report that they’ve been extremely busy since the first day of the show, fielding many questions about Lock Haven, the Sentimental Journey Fly-In event, the Piper Aviation Museum, and the status of the William T. Piper Airport.

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo was first held in 1974 as a small-scale sports aviation event, and it has since grown to attract over 200,000 visitors each year. Dubbed “Aviation’s Season Opener” or “Spring Break for Pilots,” the event showcases a wide range of aircraft displays and hosts a major trade show featuring over 500 exhibitors. The Expo offers hands-on workshops, forums, STEM activities, and more, appealing to both aviation enthusiasts and families alike. Day and nighttime airshows featuring military and civilian performances are also among the Expo’s many highlights.

SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports dozens of events year-round, including the Aerospace Expo. Proceeds from these events fund the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), a leader in STEM and aerospace education. ACE offers a range of educational programs through its learning centers, outreach initiatives, scholarships, and summer camps, all designed to engage, educate, and advance the next generation of aerospace professionals. Each year, ACE engages over 50,000 students in aviation-related learning experiences.

Given Lock Haven’s rich aviation heritage, Dremel and Arter are committed to preserving this part of its identity and boosting the county’s reputation as a hub for aviation history.