On October 24, 1911 Orville Wright made history in the Outer Banks of North Carolina once again, by setting a new world record in aviation by completing a glider flight that lasted 9 minutes and 45 seconds, paving the way for numerous advancements in aviation and the sport of gliding and soaring. The Soaring 100, a centennial celebration of this achievement on the Outer Banks kicks off today at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The weekend long celebration (October 21-24) includes numerous family friendly events and symposiums. Aviation enthusiasts, historians, and scientists will be on hand on the Outer Banks at the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Jockey’s Ridge State Park to recreate the glory of the 1911 glider flight. A true to scale replica of the 1911 glider will be on display throughout the weekend. All events are open to the public. Daytime events are free. Tickets are required for evening events. Park fees apply at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. A complete schedule of events is available online at www.soaring100.com
NASA’s “Driven to Explore” exhibit, a mobile multimedia exhibit will be at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and open to the public all weekend. The exhibit tells the story of NASA and how the organization’s discoveries have impacted life here on Earth. You’ll get the chance to touch a three-billion year-old moon rock, one of the only eight lunar samples in the world made available to the public to touch. The kids will also enjoy the youth story times, kite-making and glider building workshops.
The Soaring 100 International Historical Symposium, developed by Dr. Tom Crouch, senior curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, includes talks and presentations by internationally-recognized authorities on aviation history and engineering and will be held all weekend.
On Friday, October 21, 2011 head over the Jockey’s Ridge State Park and catch some souvenir glider mail that will be dropped from a gilder high above the dunes. Then check out the U.S. Postal Service Temporary Station and bring in your mail for a commemorative centennial postmark.
Evening Events:
On Friday, October 21, 2011 a kick-off barbeque at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing shopping center will feature a Landmark reception and old timer storytelling. Tickets are available online at www.soaring100.com
On Saturday, October 22, 2011 the Ragtime Gala Banquet will be held at Duck Woods County Club. This social will include dinner, entertainment, dancing, live music, and an auction. Reservations are available online at www.soaring 100.com Tickets are $100.
On Sunday, October 23, 2011 head over the Pamlico Jack’s for the Landing Party. This casual dining event will feature a meet and mingle with Showcase pilots and 1911 Glider Teams. Reservations can be made online at www.soaring100.com