September 17, 2003 - 1903 was significant for a variety of reasons: the Boston Red Sox won the first World Series; the first Tour de France bicycle race was staged; Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company, Jack London published The Call of the Wild. But because Americans had long been fascinated by the possibility of flight, perhaps the most significant event that year was the Wright Brothers historic flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C.. It was December 17, 1903, when Orville Wright flew the worlds first powered, sustained, and controlled flight with a heavier-than-air flying machine; his flight lasted 12 seconds and traveled 120 feet.

What a long way aviation has come! To celebrate the centennial of powered flight, Daniel Webster College (DWC), Nashua, is hosting the premier aviation festival of New England (sanctified by the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission) on Sept. 20 and 21, at which some 15,000 aviation enthusiasts from around New England are expected to attend.

With more than two dozen vintage aircraft to explore, as well as panel discussions led by distinguished speakers, interactive presentations and aviation exhibits, and reenactments of some of aviations most well known legends, there promises to be something for everyone and every age. The festival runs Sept. 20 and 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Adult admission is $10, children 6-12 are $5, and children under 5 are free. For an updated listings of planes, speakers, events and activities, call 603-577-6625.

"Its the up-close experience with actual aircraft, as well as the personal engagement with living legends, that truly makes Daniel Websters Aviation Festival unique," said Kelly Woods, director of special programs. "The college is honored to afford the public this unparalleled experience and the opportunity to explore the role of aviation in todays society."

The festival, sponsored by BAE Systems, Nashua,  The Collings Foundation, Stow, Mass., WBZ1030 Radio and WMUR-TV9, actually launches Friday night, Sept. 19, with the Centennial of Flight Celebration banquet sponsored by the New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society. Tickets are $50 and may be reserved by calling 603-226-1939.

This year marks the third time Daniel Webster College, founded in 1965 as an aviation college, has hosted the festival. Focusing on experiential learning, Daniel Webster College provides innovative curricula in aviation (flight operations and air traffic control), computer science, information systems, business and management, social science and engineering in preparing students and working professionals for twenty-first century careers.  In addition to numerous certificate programs, Daniel Webster college confers the bachelor of science, and master of business administration degrees, and associate degrees to traditional and non-traditional students through its main campus in Nashua, its site in Portsmouth at Pease International Tradeport, and through its distance learning program.  For information about Daniel Webster College and its educational programs, visit www.dwc.edu or call 603-577-660.