St. George museum slates annual WWII-era hangar dance
kevin@thespectrum.com
When enough time passes, the best things in our lives comprise the golden memories of "classic" years. And, although we can't continue to live in the past, sometimes it's nice to take time to remember fun times gone by.
That's the idea behind the fourth annual hangar dance and Armed Forces Day celebration at the Western Sky Aviation Warbirds Museum, which will take place Friday and Saturday at the museum's hangar site north of the St. George Regional Airport on the city's southeast side.
"It's a true Second World War-type hangar dance," said Ray Stiens, the museum's promotions manager. "It's interesting just to watch, if nothing else. It's just a fun time."
Retired Air Force Col. Jack Hunter, who helped found the museum, said the event will include swing dance lessons and a 20-piece live swing band.
Attendees are also encouraged to wear 1940s attire or service uniforms, although that isn't a requirement for anyone who wants to go and enjoy the evening, Hunter said.
"We've had nothing but rave reviews. … You don't find people that swing dance anymore," Stiens said. "The first year, we had 150 people. … Last year 250 to 275."
Stiens said there is now parking space available for thousands of cars if necessary near the museum, although he anticipates only up to about 300 people at the dance.
The $15 admission serves as a fundraiser for the museum, which will have seven "warbirds" on display Saturday to visitors curious about replicas of combats of bygone eras, Stiens said. At the door, tickets will cost $20 or $35 for two people.
Groups can reserve a table for eight at the dance for $180.
Saturday's annual "Wings and Wheels Armed Forces Day Celebration" will not only include an opportunity to see some of those planes, but also classic cars and motorcyclist "Freedom Riders." Whereas car shows generally feature classic vehicles and airshows feature a variety of planes, the museum's celebration features the best of both worlds, albeit on a small scale, he said.
A Provo company will also provide rides in a T-6 Texan trainer or a six-passenger "Twin Beech" for additional cost, Hunter said. The flights are for about a half hour around the county and Zion National Park area.
And the museum will fly its British Provost jet as well as provide photo opportunities in its Korean War-era MiG fighter.
"This is a unique thing for St. George. There are very few places I know of where you can sit in a Korean War jet fighter," Stiens said. "It was actually flown in Korea, either by the Koreans or the Russians, depending on who you talk to."
The museum will also have the benefit of displaying a Czechoslovakian jet fighter from Las Vegas that is being hangared in St. George while awaiting some repairs, he said.
Veterans are granted free admission to the dance. Wings and Wheels is free to the general public, although donations are accepted.
"That's how we make our money," Stiens said. "We're out there to inform people about the past and to keep (war fliers') record intact as far as what they did. … It's a history lesson."
Friday's events begin at 6:45 p.m., with dance lessons until 7:30 and music by the dance band until 10:30 p.m. On Saturday, the activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Follow reporter Kevin Jenkins, @SpectrumJenkins. Call him at 435-674-6253.
What: Hangar dance
When: Friday, 6:45 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
What: Armed Forces Day Celebration
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Western Sky Aviation Warbirds Museum, 4196 S. Airport Parkway, St. George
Cost: $15 for the dance in advance, $20 at the door; free admission to Armed Forces Day Celebration
Information: Call 435-669-0655
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