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Dakota Territory Air Museum plans June 6 D-Day commemoration, July 4 air show with Snowbirds and more

Eloise Ogden/MDN C-47s, similar to this one on static display on the grounds of the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, shown Friday, were used in World War II. The air museum is planning an event for June 6 for the 75th anniversary commemoration of the World War II D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. It is among numerous events being planned at the air museum from June through October.

— A 75th anniversary commemoration of the World War II D-Day landings and Battle of Normandy in June.

— A July 4 air show with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and other air show acts.

These and several other community events are being planned at the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot this season. The museum opens for the season Saturday, May 11.

“The Dakota Territory Air Museum has been a part of the community’s vibrant culture for more than 30 years and 2019 promises to be an exciting season,” according to a news release from the museum’s board. “These events give the museum an opportunity to educate, commemorate and entertain all generations.”

The events planned include:

— June 6: 75th Anniversary of D-Day Event. This event will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. A re-enactment of the painting of invasion stripes on the museum’s flying C-47/DC-3, military vehicle displays by the North Dakota Military Vehicle Collectors Association and flyovers with aircraft like those involved in the D-Day invasion including a Spitfire, Mustang and C-47/DC-3 are among the events planned that day. There will also be a reenactment of a beer delivery technique used by some fighter squadrons during World War II when kegs of beer reportedly were mounted on the bomb pylons of single-seat fighters. The museum is teaming up with A-Typical Brewing of Minot to have two special brews mounted on the museum’s P-51 Mustang. The museum will be selling 120 memberships for the “Ale From Above” club, with profits divided between the Foundation for Exceptional Veterans organization and the museum. There will be free admission for all former and active-duty military members.

— July 4: Yogi Day Spirit of the Plains. The day is named in honor of the late retired Lt. Col. D.F. “Yogi” Huyghebaert, a former Canadian Forces Snowbirds commander and Saskatchewan government minister. He died Aug. 2, 2018. During this Independence Day celebration, the skies over the Minot International Airport will be honored with a demonstration from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds air demonstration team and other air show acts to celebrate the spirit of the plains and this country’s independence.

— July 17 – Wings & Wheels Event. Dakota Cruisers Car Club will join the museum’s Wing & Wheels event with a display of about 100 antique and hot rod vehicles. An aircraft from the air museum’s collection will be flown during the event.

— Aug. 17 – Dakota Territory Air Museum’s 23rd Annual Sweepstakes Drawing. The museum will celebrate its 23rd annual Sweepstakes with a barbecue and drawing for its 23rd annual grand prize – a 1947 Aeronca Champ plane. Proceeds go to the museum.

— Sept. 19 – Women, Wine & Wings. The museum event celebrates the contributions of women in aviation past and present. Food and drinks will be part of a presentation featuring women such as Amelia Earhart, Phoebe Omlie and Pancho Barnes who have made an impact in aviation history.

— Oct. 19 – Night at the Museum Hangar Dance. The Night at the Museum Hangar Dance is the museum’s final event for the season with food, music, silent auction, dancing and re-enactments of famous aviators of the past including Charles Lindbergh and Neil Armstrong.

For those interested in event sponsorships and other information about the events contact Robin Brekhus, museum events coordinator, at 520-234-3901 or email dtamevents@gmail.com. For more information about the museum visit dakotaterritory

airmuseum.com.

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