If you’re looking for Central Florida events that are fun for the whole family, look no further. Because Central Florida is full of things to do, you won’t have to travel far for a great family day out. Whether you want to enjoy a display of Princess Diana’s clothes, take the family on a Halloween carriage ride, or spend the day at a boat, car and air show, there’s something for everyone. These are just a few of the many Central Florida events taking place this fall:
Diana’s Dresses – Dress For Humanity II
One of the ongoing events in Central Florida is Diana’s Dresses – Dress For Humanity II. The exhibit is a display of 18 different clothing outfits worn by Princess Diana. The clothes have been on display at the Princess’s former home, Kensington Palace, since 2001 and will return to the palace in 2010. This is the first time this collection has toured the United States.
The exhibit continues through December 26, 2008 and is located at the Lakeland Center. Dresses can be viewed Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm Cost is $23 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12, and children under 6 are free and private events can be arranged.
Annual Pioneer Days Festival
The annual Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival is not only fun, but also a tactile educational experience that is free for the whole family. A favorite among Central Florida events with locals and tourists alike, the Pioneer Days Festival has been held on the last Saturday in October since 1977. For one day, visitors are transported back to the pioneer days as they walk among event attendees in costume, listen to the Highlander Marching Band, start on carriage tours, admire views of vintage cars, and watch artisans create vintage crafts.
If you plan to attend the Pioneer Days Festival, you won’t want to miss the start of the event. Each year, the pioneer hour begins with the ringing of the Tillman bell, followed by the announcement of the winner of the annual ‘Pioneer of the Year’ award. While the selection process to determine the winner is strictly confidential, the honor always goes to someone who has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the greater Lake Wales community.
roar and fly
Another Central Florida event is Roar ‘n Soar. Roar ‘n Soar is filled with exotic cars, vintage planes, and classic boats. The event takes place November 8-9 at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City.
Anyone who owns a classic, vintage or unusual car, truck or motorcycle is invited to participate in the Vintage and Classic Vehicle Corral. If you don’t have a classic car, but still want to have fun, consider signing up for the Slalom course. Anyone with a vehicle can sign up to race through a slalom course lined with rows of cones with spectators cheering along the way.
The Classic Racing Boats Association is also sponsoring a display of boats that will race along a course on Lake Agnes. There will also be vintage boats on display and RC boat races along Lake Agnes with district and national RC boat race winners.
Roar ‘n Soar is also one of the Central Florida events that houses a collection of vintage aircraft. Some of the aircraft include a Grumman Duck, built in 1945, a P 51-C, and a Fokker DA-1. There will also be remote control planes performing aerial maneuvers and paragliders performing for the crowd on the ground.
Tickets for the two-day event are $38 for adults and $19 for children ages 6-15. One-day passes are $23 for adults and $12 for children. Active duty and retired military can purchase a two-day pass for $15 by showing their military ID, and kids 5 and under are free.
These are just a few of the many Central Florida events families can attend this fall. With so many events in Central Florida, there is sure to be something to suit everyone’s interests.