NORMAN, OK - One hundred years ago, Wilbur and Orville Wright made their historic first flight from Kill Devil Hill, just south of Kitty Hawk, N.C. The First Flight Centennial Foundation is preparing to mark the occasion with a weeklong celebration featuring events, exhibits, shows and festivities Dec. 12 to Dec. 17, culminating in a re-enactment of the 12-second 1903 flight on Dec. 17.
To accommodate the more than four million people who are expected to visit the site over the next five years, the foundation erected a semi-permanent clearspan structure at the foot of Kill Devil Hill. The three tent-like structures that comprise the 20,000-square-foot First Flight Centennial Pavilion house interpretive and educational exhibits and provide a venue for speakers and aviation-themed activities during the celebratory events in 2003 and beyond.