The bald eagle, the emblem of the United States of America, represents freedom. The men and women at Minot Air Force Base and other military branches serve this country to fight for freedom.
It is fitting that this nation's emblem, the eagle, painted on a feather by Towner artist Andy Knudson is one of the featured items to be auctioned at the 24th Annual Prairie Warrior Competition Auction March 27 at the Minot Holiday Inn-Riverside.
"My most popular work for the past several years has been my oil paintings on turkey feathers. They are hand painted with small, soft brushes, then matted and framed under glass to ensure their longevity," said Knudson. Each piece he produces, including the one that will be auctioned March 27, is an original which are signed and numbered #1 of 1.
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Andy Knudson of Towner is among artists whose work will be among a
variety of items in the 24th annual
Priarie Warrior Competition Auction.
The preview of auction items will begin at 5:30 p.m., with refreshments and hors d'oeuvres served.
The auction begins at 6:30 p.m. John Bearman, of Minot, is in his fourth year as the auctioneer.
"We appreciate his expertise and the donation of time to the auction from a businessman in our community," said Betty Fedorchak, chairwoman of the auction. She has served as its chairwoman for 23 of its 24 years.
Admission to the auction is $20 per person.
Sponsored by the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Committee, the annual event is done to show the continued support of Minot and area communities to the men and women at Minot AFB.
During the past years of the auction through 2009, the auction has raised more than $450,000 for Minot AFB, Fedorchak said.
Money raised at the auction goes to support base teams, squadron activities, annual awards banquets and Operation Warmheart, a year-round program providing essentials such as food, clothing, etc., to needy service members and their families as well as Thanksgiving baskets during the holidays. The funds also support the base's Northern Neighbors Day open house which will be held later this year.
Items that will be auctioned at the March 27 auction include exotic dinners, trips, very special desserts, store and restaurant gift certificates, various artwork including a feather painting with an eagle, specialty baskets, a golf bag with golf accessories, a special hand-knitted scarf, media advertising, running shoes and running accessories, and various memorabilia, to name a few.
Donations needed, deadline Friday
The deadline for donations has been extended to Friday, Fedorchak said.
Donations from Minot and area businesses, individuals and organizations are welcome and should be made immediately.
Some guidelines for donations include:
The item can be serious, humorous, unusual, imaginative or creative.
Include any special instructions or information about the item, such as historical significance, if applicable. The information may increase the item's value during bidding.
Items donated by the Friday deadline will be included in the printed auction program.
If an item is an intangible gift (service, membership, etc.), a certificate or letter from the donor/business is required.
"For any business who feels they have nothing to donate, they can purchase Chamber Bucks to donate. Chamber Bucks are always redeemed for full value and are appreciated," Fedorchak said.
Items donated by the Friday deadline will be included in the printed auction program.
For more information about the auction, including donations, contact Fedorchak at 838-6680 or the Chamber at 852-6000. The contact people for donations on base are Doug Warnock, 5th Bomb Wing, at 723-6230 or Steve Barosko, 91st Missile Wing, at 723-6899.
To make arrangements for pick up of donations, in Minot call Fedorchak, and on base call Warnock or Barosko.
"We are looking forward to a very successful auction this year due to the generosity of our donors the businesses and individuals from Minot and the surrounding areas and Minot Air Force Base," Fedorchak said.