The first annual SUN ‘n FUN Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show flew into Lakeland, Florida last month, with Honda Generators as presenting sponsor. As COVID cases surge throughout the country, organizers of the event took proper precautions, including a mask requirement and social distancing to ensure the safety of attendees. Through the SUN ‘n FUN sponsorship, Honda Power Equipment builds upon Honda’s commitment to STEM by educating today’s youth to help solve tomorrow’s challenges.

In addition to generators, Honda Power Equipment provides many products and other supplies to support the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo and their many year round events. The SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus supports STEM education through the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE), a 22-acre facility committed to engage, educate and accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals. “The opportunity for Honda Generators to expand its involvement with SUN ‘n FUN, help support ACE, and the continued educational growth of local youth is exciting,” said David Bush, senior marketing strategist for Honda Generators. “We’re proud to play a part in this great program.” 

Established as Florida’s official aviation museum in 2005, ACE boasts an impressive array of STEM learning environments. Aerospace-themed summer camps and student outreach programs are presented by ACE staff to over 50,000 students annually, and educator assistance programs provide STEM-based curriculum and lesson plans for teachers at all grade levels. Hands-on learning activities are available for all ages, and include everything from stomp rockets and balsa gliders to real aircraft construction and maintenance programs. There is even a fully functioning Boeing 727 on the campus that serves as a unique learning laboratory. ACE provides annually over $2 million in education support, including pilot, maintainer and college scholarships.

As part of the sponsorship for the expo, which ran from Dec. 4-5, Honda Generators ran a sweepstakes to win a pair of Honda EU2200i generators or a VIP INDYCAR experience for two at the 2021 NTT INDYCAR Series Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, race weekend, which is scheduled for March 2021. Honda associates are not eligible to enter this sweepstakes.

“We wanted to offer something extra to the SUN n’ FUN community, so we’re adding an exciting sweepstakes,” Bush said. “Everyone can use backup power from Honda.”