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Mark Your Calendar for These Events

Wings Over Wayne Air Show

Goldsboro, North Carolina

April 27-28, 2019

In central North Carolina, the town of Goldsboro is home to Johnson Air Force Base. It’s also home to the state’s largest aviation event — the Wings Over Wayne Air Show — which takes place every other year. In 2017, the event drew more than 230,000 people, who came to watch aerial maneuvers by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other impressive military jets.

Highlight for Groups: Veterans or families of service members will appreciate the patriotic spirit of this event, which features a jet flyover with the playing of the national anthem and other special touches.

Booking Window: Six to eight months in advance of event

Event Contact: Ashlin Glatthar

919-734-792

aglatthar@godsboronc.gov

www.wingsoverwayneairshow.com

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

Philadelphia

March 2-10, 2019

Founded in 1829, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event. Attendees see stunning displays by the world’s premier floral and landscape designers, as well as competitions, gardening demonstrations and the citywide Bloom Philly celebration. The show also introduces the newest plant varieties and gardening techniques in the horticultural world.

Highlight for Groups: Tour groups of 40 or more get complimentary group leader tickets, motorcoach parking and dedicated restrooms. Groups also enjoy free wine and spirits tasting and marketplace shopping, along with 10 acres of inspiration for their home gardens.

Booking Window: Two weeks minimum in advance of show

Event Contact: Michelle Ullman

215-988-8839

advtix@pennhort.org

www.theflowershow.com

Ravinia Festival

Highland Park, Illinois

Early June through mid-September

Held in a residential neighborhood park in a suburb on Chicago’s North Shore, the Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in North America. The first edition of the festival took place in 1904. Today it features nightly concerts throughout the summer, covering a variety of musical genres and attracting as many as 18,000 music fans each night.

Highlight for Groups: It’s easy for groups to add an evening at Ravinia to an itinerary that features other attractions and activities in the Chicago area. Planners can arrange treetop dining, al fresco meals and other special touches to accompany the group’s concert experience.

Booking Window: Immediately after the schedule is released in March

Event Contact:  Mindy Moore

847-266-5087

mmoore@ravinia.org

www.ravinia.org

Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade

Portland, Oregon

June 8, 2019

Founded in 1907, the Portland Rose Festival is one of the most famous annual floral events in the country, drawing more than 425,000 attendees over its three-week run in late spring. The festival culminates in the Grand Floral Parade, which features spectacular all-floral floats, marching bands from around the globe and flower-decked equestrian units.

Highlight for Groups: The Grand Floral Parade is the only parade known to pass through a building — Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum — which provides a comfortable location for groups to watch the parade from reserved seats. The indoor seating features exclusive entertainment.

Booking Window: Minimum of six months; 11 for the best indoor seats

Event Contact: Carol Ross

503-227-2681

carolr@rosefestival.org

www.rosefestival.org/grand-floral-parade

Brian Jewell

Brian Jewell is the executive editor of The Group Travel Leader. In more than a decade of travel journalism he has visited 48 states and 25 foreign countries.