No, it’s not a watch party for that old John Candy and Steve Martin movie.
This is Plant City’s fourth annual Planes, Trains and Automobiles event, which gives kids and adults the opportunity to check out plenty of cool vehicles — and, in some cases, take to the skies.
As usual, the Plant City Airport is teaming with the Tampa International Airport to host the May 17 event. About 3,000 people attended last year’s event, and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce believes it still has room to grow.
“Hopefully, we can get 3,500 people through the gates,” chamber President Marion Smith says. “Come on out.”
Operational model trains will chug their way around the exhibits, and guests will be able to get a rare up-close look at CSX trains, artifacts and memorabilia. A number of classic and exotic cars will be on display for the guests, and Smith hopes that that also will be a selling point for anyone wishing to spend a day checking out classic cars. The Plant City Car Show is scheduled for later that afternoon.
“We’re hoping that people will come out here in the morning, then travel to the Plant City car show,” she said.
Don’t forget to look up in the air, either. There will be several flyovers and remote-controlled planes flying around throughout the day. Those R/C models, along with real planes and cars, will be judged by the people in a “Best of Show”-type competition, during which guests can vote for their favorite vehicle.
Officers with the Tampa International Airport will bring their furry companions for some K-9 demonstrations at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Plant City Fire Rescue also will display its engines, and the Plant City Police Department its mobile units.
Area Boy Scouts also will have a few good reasons to make an appearance at the event. It will be possible for troops to earn their aviation merit badge, traffic safety merit badge, or their search and rescue merit badge at the event.
There will be live music and a karaoke booth, compliments of Kustom-Karaoke and DJ Service.
Although there are plenty of opportunities for kids to have fun, with a play area and computer flight simulations, the real star of the show is the opportunity to climb into a plane and fly for free.
One hundred kids, ages 8 to 17, will be able to participate in these flights, provided by the Lakeland EAA Young Eagles. Registration stops at 1 p.m., so it would be best to get there early.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17
WHERE: Plant City Airport, 4007 Airport Road
COST: Free; $5 parking
INFORMATION: Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, (813) 754-3707 or plantcity.org.
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PlanesTrainsAutos