The First Flight Society, Kitty Hawk, NC, will celebrate the 87th anniversary of National Aviation Day on Aug. 19 with a day of aviation-themed activities, aircraft displays, and a fly-in at Dare County Regional Airport. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is designed to commemorate the achievements of Orville and Wilbur Wright while introducing visitors of all ages to aviation through educational exhibits, aircraft, and family activities. One of the day’s highlights will be flyovers by the Bullseye Flight Team. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore aircraft representing different eras of aviation, meet exhibitors, attend presentations, and enjoy food trucks throughout the event. A birthday cake celebrating National Aviation Day, along with a scavenger hunt for children, is also planned.
Among the participating exhibitors are Kitty Hawk Kites, the Outer Banks History Center, College of The Albemarle, Outer Banks Forever, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, and Dare County. The celebration will also serve as a fly-in for general aviation pilots. The first 30 pilots arriving at Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) will receive a $100 fuel voucher, while all participating pilots will be presented with a recognition certificate. This year’s event will also include a food drive in partnership with the Beach Food Pantry to support families in need across North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The Society is encouraging visitors to donate nonperishable food items as demand on local food banks continues to increase.
(Image credit: First Flight Society)
National Aviation Day was established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to recognize the growth of aviation in the United States. The observance falls on Aug. 19, the birthday of Orville Wright, who was still living when the proclamation was issued. The date also marks the birthday of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s sister, Katharine Wright, who was born on Aug. 19, 1874. The event requires no ticket for entry, and parking is free. For more information and to support the First Flight Society, click on this link: firstflight.org.
