1909: Through 29 August, in the Le Grande Semain d’Aviation de Champagne Flying Meet at Rheims, France, Glenn H. Curtiss (shown here) flew one of his planes to win two first prizes ($5,000 and $2,000) and a second prize ($600) for speed. The Gordon-Bennett Race for speed was the most prestigious event in the meet. The top speed in the meet was 45.7 MPH. With close to 500,000 spectators. It set the standard for all future air shows of the time. To meet the challenge, special grandstands were constructed along with numerous restaurants, a barbershop, and even press facilities.