Get ready for an old fashioned Hangar Dance

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It’s time to get your dancin’ shoes shined and your clothes pressed and ready to go.

The Douglas County Historical Society is sponsoring a “Hangar Dance” the second Saturday in June at Chandler Field, Alexandria Airport.

The June 13 fundraising event will run from 7 to 11 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.

Tickets purchased before the event, which are being called first-class tickets, are $15 per person. Tickets at the door, or coach-class tickets, are $20 per person.

Charter or pre-sale tickets for a table of eight sell for $100 total.

Douglas County Historical Society Director Rachel Barduson noted that the idea for a “Hangar Dance” came from KXRA radio personality Patty Wicken.

Barduson said she was looking for a unique fundraiser for the historical society, and while talking with Wicken, she mentioned a “Hangar Dance.”

Barduson did some research on the idea and found out that type of dance event originated in the 1940s during the World War II era.

And now with the Minnesota Historical Society honoring veterans with its “Greatest Generation” exhibit, Barduson thought having a hangar dance would be a great way to raise money and a way for the public to become more aware of that era.

During the June 13 Hangar Dance at the Alexandria Airport, Barduson mentioned there would be “warbirds” on display. In addition, former pilot Jerry VanKempen will be the emcee for the evening.

She also noted that there will be a grand march for those who are dressed in period costume, something she encourages those planning to attend to do.

Attendees can plan on swing dancing the evening away to the sounds of Doc’s All-Stars. In addition, the Runestone Rockettes are set to perform at 7 p.m.

Barduson noted that this event is the kickoff to the historical society’s fundraising goal of building a new genealogical library/history center.

The goal, she noted, is to build on the lot south of the historical society.

“We will fashion it after a carriage house,” said Barduson, adding that the new addition will sit back a little and not overshadow the Knute Nelson home, which houses the historical society.

“Knute’s house will still be the star!” said Barduson.

When asked why people should attend this event, Barduson said, “People can preserve history while they dance the night away.”

She continued by saying, “History is a lot of fun. We hope people find out that while they work toward the future, they can learn about the past and preserve history while having fun at the same time.”

Food, including beef brisket sandwiches with all the fixings, and drinks will be catered by Depot Express. There will be a cash bar featuring wine from Carlos Creek Winery.

In addition, there will be a raffle with prize packages valued up to $500.

On the same day of the Hangar Dance, the Alexandria American Legion Post 87 is hosting a “Dad’s Belgian Waffle Feed” from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the airport. Tickets will be sold at the door.

For more information about the events, contact the Douglas County Historical Society at (320) 762-0382 or visit its website at www.dchsmn.org.

Tags: hangar dance, entertainment, events