The Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot will become the site of the Gala USO Salute Event on Sept. 11.
"It will be a USO-style event and art auction," said Terri Aldrich, executive director of the Minot Area Council of the Arts.
Open to the public, the event will include a dinner, show, dance and art auction.
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Eloise Ogden/MDN
Glenn Blackaby, left, curator, and Don Larson, president of the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, stand Thursday by a Beech 18 plane similar to those used in World War II which were called C-45s. The air museum and two other local organizations are making plans for a USO-style event on Sept. 11 in the air museum.
Activities begin with a social at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and other activities to follow in the museum's Elker Hangar. The Grand International Inn of Minot will cater the dinner.
Aldrich said the event will be "a salute to all those who have served or currently are serving" in the military.
The Minot Area Council of the Arts, Dakota Territory Air Museum and the North Dakota Military Vehicle Collector Association have partnered to plan and present the event.
"Each one brings unique resources and a unique audience," Aldrich said.
The P-51 Dakota Kid will be a backdrop for the event, said Don Larson, president of the air museum board of directors. The P-51 is a World War II fighter plane owned by Dr. Hank Reichert of Bismarck. Numerous other vintage planes will be on display.
Aldrich said one of the features of the event is the ability for those attending "to connect with the historic vehicles and planes."
A suit-and-tie dress-up affair, semi-formal period or patriotic attire is preferred.
Entertainment will be provided by the Joe Alme Big Band, Sisters By Choice, Quarter Notes, Java Jive Jazz and possibly more groups. The performers will wear period attire.
Aldrich, who is a member of Sisters By Choice, said two of them, including herself, wear uniforms belonging to Dorothy Pence of Minot. Pence is a veteran of World War II.
The Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard will participate and military personnel will be serving the food.
"We're looking forward to working with MACA," said Larson. MACA is providing the art auction and entertainment for the event.
"I think this will be a great partnership between the air museum and with the Sisters By Choice and USO-type show. They won't have to worry about the weather, and we've got a full lineup of vehicles," said Ken Yuly, Minot, of the N.D. Military Vehicle Collector Association.
Those planning the event are hoping for a crowd of about 400 people.
"It's going to be a good show," said Glenn Blackaby, curator of the air museum.