Mark Your Calendars: Saturday, October 7, 2006

Fantasy of Flight will play host to an Oktoberfest themed event “Wings & Wheels” honoring the best in German engineered vintage aircraft and automobiles. The attraction is home to the World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection featuring over 40 vintage aircraft including an exact replica of the legendary WW I ace, Manfred Von Richthofen’s (Red Baron) Fokker DR-1 Tri-plane. Also set for display will be a collection of Porsche, MerecedesBenz and various other German sports cars. The event will consist of entertainment including aerial demonstrations, a Munich style beer garden, classic Oktoberfest food offerings, music and other themed displays.

Organizers are planning to create an event that both entertains and educates by taking advantage of their significant collection of vintage aircraft and inviting Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and various other German car clubs to participate. Traditional Oktoberfest style German beers and foods will be offered in a classic beer garden setting. Entertainment will include aerial demonstrations, full access to aircraft displays and interactive exhibits, biplane rides will be available, music and much more.

According to Jennifer Montague of Fantasy of Flight, “The idea of hosting Wings & Wheels at our facility came about while talking with a guest who had recently returned from a trip to Germany. While listening to his stories and walking through the aircraft hangars we paused by the replica of our Fokker DR-1 Tri- plane (no original DR-1’s still exist) flown by the famed Red Baron. We all just looked at each other and realized we could build something very special here.”

The idea to add a collection of Porsche and other German cars came while discussing details of what would be included in the event beyond the standard beer garden and classic German food. One call to the local Porsche Club confirmed their involvement.

“Our first year goal is to attract over 100 Porsche owners to come and display their cars. A special “Porsche Corral” will be set up for club members” said Kim Long of Fantasy of Flight. In addition, other Corrals will be on site made up of Mercedes Benz, BMW and other German cars.

Fantasy of Flight is home to the “World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection” featuring over 40 beautifully restored rare and vintage aircraft, Corsair fighter game simulators, all new daily tours, aerial demonstrations, and Now Open Fun with Flight, For The Kid In All Of Us! Fantasy of Flight is located midway between Tampa and Orlando off I-4 at exit #44.

FMI: www.fantasyofflight.com