Here's one of those little known facts about the Wright Brothers-on October 24, 1911 Orville Wright launched a glider from the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk (as that area of Kill Devil Hills was known at the time) and soared for a world record 9 minutes and 45 seconds. It was a record of achievement that would stand for 10 years.
The type of glider Orville was flying was really a gigantic kite-which is another way of saying the flying conditions of for kite flying on the Outer Banks may be the best in the world.
That may be what the Wright Kite Festival held Saturday and Sunday this past weekend is all about.
Sponsored by Kitty Hawk Kites, this year marked the 36th annual event held at the Wright Brothers Memorial and for all 36 years a couple of things have remained constant: it's fun for everyone-lots of kites for everyone to fly, and the sky is alive with huge decorative kites carrying every imaginable ornament aloft.
A few clouds and a bit of rain on Saturday and the winds were a little iffy on Sunday, but a great time anyway.
This is an outstanding family event. Look for the 37th Annual Wright Kite Festival next year just about the same time of the month.
