Fayetteville, North Carolina
April 24, 2003

Aviation enthusiasts, families with children, retired and active duty military, and tourists by the thousands will soon descend on Fayetteville, North Carolina, as the state and the nation-at-large begin the official celebration of the centennial of flight. Fayetteville's Festival of Flight is an 11-day aviation celebration with three days of air shows, a weekend arts festival, aviation-themed drama and film screenings, and seven days of exhibits from NASA, the military and others representing the past, present and future of flight. Opening ceremonies begin on the evening of May 16; the festival culminates in a Memorial Day celebration and parade on May 26. Most of the events are free, including three spectacular air shows. For more information, visit the Festival's website at www.festivalofflight.org.

The schedule for Festival of Flight is full of events, exhibits and activities that will engage all ages in a celebration of aviation.

Opening ceremonies on May 16 at 7:00 PM will include military fly-bys, hot air balloons, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, the 82nd Airborne Division Band and the unveiling of artist Tom Grubb's monumental permanent kinetic sculpture, Star Gate 2003. The evening culminates with a stirring performance by the U.S. Air Force musical group, Tops in Blue.

"The Arts Take Flight" with the art festival on Saturday, May 17. Artisans will line the streets of downtown Fayetteville, while Kitty Hawk Kites hosts a kite festival on the grounds of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. Hourly stunt kite flying will be featured, along with guest appearances of Snoopy, the Festival's official mascot. In the evening, the Cape Fear Regional Theater will present its original musical revue, "Let 'er Fly," an outdoor drama production celebrating the decades of flight. Additional stagings throughout the week. For ticket information, call 910-323-4233.

On Sunday, May 18, the Festival hosts "Barnstorming at its Best" a general aviation air show with some of the most sought after aerobatic performers in the country, including the Red Baron Squadron. The event is hosted at Fayetteville Regional Airport; admission is $5.00 per car. No coolers or backpacks will be permitted on the grounds. The airshow provides a full day of thrills, from Noon to 7:00 PM.

The seven-day Aviation Exposition begins on Monday, May 19 and continues through the following Sunday, May 25. Over 120,000 square feet of exhibits explore the past, present and future of aviation. Open from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM; children 12 and under are free, as are active military and their families, youth aged 13 to 18 are $5.00, adults 18 and older are $10.00. Parking is $5.00. NASA Space Center will include over 20,000 square feet of interactive displays, micro-gravity exhibits and more to illustrate mankind's journey into space. The Heritage Hall will feature the AIAA authentic Wright Flyer reproduction, Wright brothers kites and glider models and historic military units of distinction including the WASPs, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Flying Tigers and more. The Aviation Exhibit Hall explores present day flight with military exhibits, large scale models of the F-35, F-22 and F-16 by Lockheed Martin, NASA Aeronautic displays and the U.S. Air Force official Centennial of Flight exhibit. Outside, larger exhibits will include a lunar landscape and moon buggy course, static aircraft display, a solar system walk and radio controlled aircraft, which the public is invited to pilot.

During the Aviation Exposition, daily flight demonstrations at 12:30 and 6:30 PM will awe audiences with performances that follow the theme of the day. Scheduled are humanitarian rescue operations, rocket launches, military fly-bys, and a daily flight of a Wright Brother replica aircraft.

On Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base will host an Open House and military air show, "The Thrill of Flying." Featured performers include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Green Beret jump team, Sean Tucker, air seizure and air assault demonstrations, the F-15 and A-10, a reenactment of a classic Korean War air battle and a heritage fly-by of a P-51 Mustang. Gates will open at 9:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, the event is free.

Monday, May 26, Festival of Flight will conclude with Memorial Day ceremonies including an honor guard, presentation of colors, recognition of war heroes, and a Memorial day parade.

For more information about Festival of Flight, visit http://www.festivalofflight.org.

Contact:

Margee Herring Audrey Whaley
(910) 763-4439