We decided to fly into Sun n Fun for a second day (Spruce is only a 20 minute flight to Lakeland) and Lancair held a wonderful crab boil on Friday night so we decided to stay for dinner with a plan to leave afterwards that evening.   When we went back to the flight line a full evening airshow was in progress followed by the Golden Knights parachute drop, then a helicopter with fireworks, then an airplane routine with an endless supply of fireworks streaming out all surfaces.   Shell Aero team then performed in addition to other acts and the evening drew on to complete darkness and ended around 9 or 10pm after a full ground fireworks display.    All the staff reassured us we could leave after the airshow but I could tell from the lack of volunteers airside that it wasn't to be.  And the hotels were all full.   I called and tower reported that the our side of Lakeland airport was closed and no movements could take place.  It was dark and we could not reasonably taxi around without help because of the risk of damage.   By midnight, we had scoured the bars and found a nice guy "Sam" who used his golf cart to pull us to the front of the Homebuilt area for a quick early morning departure.  But we were there for the night so we slept in the Legacy.   Sleep setting 90 with a full sky view.   The airplane cover served as a blanket but I have to include a toothbrush in the tiedown kit next time.

At dawn, looking through a fogged canopy, we awoke to a huge procession of people, motorcycles, cars and hot air balloon equipment parading onto the airport to set up for flight.   Within half an hour the sky was full, the airport was still closed and we waited patiently and got some great views as the balloons flew directly overhead on the chase.   Shortly after we were allowed to taxi and return home by 8am.   It wasn't my first choice in accommodations but when I look at the stuff we experienced in that 24 hours it was all worth it.

Paul Miller N357V Legacy RG