Florida's long, soaring tradition of flight arises from its rich military heritage. Air bases and NASA headquarters mean a fascination for things airborne and foster year 'round festivals and events borne on the wings of flight. Fly into the festivities or marvel at the miracle of flight from below as you tour my take on the state's top 10 high-flying events:

1. Blue Angel Season, Pensacola (March - November) and Pensacola Beach Air Show (July): No on-ground thrill compares to witnessing the pomp, rumble and thunder of the famous Blue Angels in formation. The elite six-jet team travels around the state and nation March through November, returning in between shows to stage about 50 free practice performances at its home base, Naval Air Station Pensacola. In July, the "Blues" headline the Pensacola Beach Air Show. November marks the team's gala homecoming to Pensacola and the final show of the season.

2. Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, Lakeland (April): One of Florida's oldest flight-obsessed events, it has hosted aviators and fans for more than 30 years. The week-long festival has something for everyone: aviation exhibits, hot air ballooning, aircraft competitions and shows, student tours, demonstrations, a Ladies Pavilion and a Corn Roast with live entertainment. Pilots and spectators set up camp on the grounds for the duration. Year 'round, visitors can admire spiffy aircraft at the on-site Florida Air Museum.

3. Tico Warbird Air Show, Titusville (March): The gateway town to Kennedy Space Center, Titusville is all about what's up. Its Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum hosts this annual three-day event showcasing restored military aircraft from World War I through Desert Storm. Witness dogfights, strafing, bombing, skydiving and military jets in the air. The top names in aerobatics and military demonstrations perform. At ground level, tour the aircraft pit area, roam the flea/fly market and grab autographs.
The Air Force Thunderbirds and Army Golden Knights rip through the skies over Punta Gorda to climax this two-day spectacular, more than 25 years old. T

4. Florida International Air Show, Punta Gorda (March/April): The Air Force Thunderbirds and Army Golden Knights rip through the skies over Punta Gorda to climax this two-day spectacular, more than 25 years old. The event kicks off on Friday night with a special pyrotechnic display at the Charlotte County Airport.

5. Fort Myers Beach Air Show (May): Stunning aerobatics and military demonstrations highlight this over-the-Gulf display of fly-power. Crowds gather on the wide beaches to gaze upward. In typical Fort Myers Beach style, parties at local clubs add merriment to the event.

6. McDonald's Air and Sea Show, Fort Lauderdale (May): Hit the beach for an airwave-rending display of civilian and military aviation force that features the Air Force Thunderbirds, the Army Golden Knights, the Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team, the Goodyear Blimp, civilian aviation celebrity fly-overs and a grand fireworks finale. Boat races and more constitute the "sea" portion of this super-show.

7. Heart of Florida Air Show, Gainesville (September): Past festivals have brought the mighty Blue Angels to Gainesville skies, in addition to aerobatic teams, sky-diving demos and military aircraft displays such as a B-17, DC-3, T-38, F-15 Strike Eagle and F-14 Tomcat. Information and food booths round out the two-day winged fantasy.

8. Visiting Nurse Association Air Show, Stuart (November): More than 100 planes perform nearly four hours of in-air displays for two days at Witham Field. See vintage bombers, Air Force flyers and the "who's who" of the air show circuit. A combined X-Team performance brings the show to a breathtaking climax.

9. Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular, Jacksonville Beach (November): This exhilarating biannual celestial extravaganza draws more than 400,000 spectators to area beaches to gasp at the Blue Angels on maneuvers. Past years have brought an exciting amphibious landing demonstration, flight simulators and gala street festivals with live entertainment and kids activities.

10. Florida SkyFest, Daytona Beach (November): As home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach hosts an aerial festival that attracts everyone from the kids to the high-on-flight junkie. Held every two years, it entertains families with flight simulators, games, educational exhibits and a vendor fair. Embry-Riddle alumni fly their spectacular aircraft in for display and are on hand to answer questions.