Step Back in Time to the 1940s

The 11th annual Big Band Hangar Dance will be held Saturday, November 10, 2012.

The Spirit of Tulsa Squadron’s fully-restored Fairchild PT-19.

On Saturday, November 10, 2012, step back in time to ­experience the sights and sounds of a bygone era when the Spirit of Tulsa Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force hosts the 11th annual Big Band Hangar Dance at the Riverside Campus of Tulsa Tech.

    From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., those who dare can buy a ride in an open-cockpit WWII primary training aircraft, featuring the Squadron’s own fully-restored Fairchild PT-19. World War II veterans will be special guests for rides in honor of their military service. Call (918) 794-4182 to schedule a ride for a veteran or for yourself. Sponsorships for veterans’ rides are welcomed. Everyone is invited to come out and watch the flying. Daytime admission is free for all ages.  

    At 5 p.m., the hangar will open for the night’s festivities. From 5 to 6 p.m., a buffet ­dinner will be served to those patrons who purchase advance dinner tickets. Free swing dance lessons are available for everyone from 6 to 7 p.m. Following the JROTC color guard and salute to veterans, the 18-piece “Sounds of Music” orchestra will take the stage and fill the hangar with 1940s music for non-stop ­dancing from 7 to 10 p.m.  

    Throughout the evening, patrons can bid on the silent ­auction items, shop at the PX, and grab a snack and soft drink at Rosie’s Canteen. Vintage ­aircraft and vehicles decorating the hangar will be an excellent backdrop for photographs.  

    Tickets for the dance and optional buffet may be purchased online at www.caftulsa.org or by calling (918) 794-4182. PayPal and major credit cards are accepted. Every dance ticket gets reserved seating at a table and free dance lessons. Dress is casual, military, or come dressed for the 40s.  

    Tulsa Tech’s Riverside Campus is located adjacent to the R.L. Jones/Riverside airport at 801 E. 91st St., Tulsa, just west of downtown Jenks. Tulsa Tech is handicap accessible and a family-friendly, alcohol and tobacco-free facility.

    The Commemorative Air Force is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete ­collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States and selected aircraft of other nations for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans. Membership is open to anyone wishing to join us, including youth age 13 or older as Cadets.

    For more information and photos of last year’s event please visit our website, www.caftulsa.org.

For more information, contact

Commemorative Air Force Spirit of Tulsa Squadron

(918) 794-4182

www.caftulsa.org