The dance will feature live 1940s “big band” style music provided by VanPort Jazz
VANCOUVER — The Friends of Fort Vancouver will present the 4th annual Sweetheart Hangar Dance at Pearson Air Museum’s Historic Hangar on Sat., March 28, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This popular fundraiser benefits the Friends, a community nonprofit group that supports the educational mission of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
The dance will feature live 1940s “big band” style music provided by VanPort Jazz. For attendees who want to learn some new moves, a complimentary swing dance lesson will take place before the event begins. Class A Allied military uniforms and 1940s-style attire is encouraged.
“Pearson Air Museum’s Historic Hangar is the ideal setting for this evening of fun and nostalgia,” said Mary Rose, Executive Director of the Friends of Fort Vancouver. “During World War II, ‘Keep ‘Em Flying’ dances, morale-boosting activities organized by the USO and Red Cross, were often held in military aircraft hangars!”
At 6 p.m., an hour before the dance begins, Joseph and Julieann Platt of Ballroom Dance With Us will provide a complimentary swing dance lesson for dance attendees, and will be present throughout the evening to keep up the swing! Joseph and Julieann together have taught thousands of students of all ages and abilities, building skills that last a lifetime.
Refreshments will be available for purchase at a food truck. A no host bar will offer beer from Fortside Brewery and wines from Airfield Estates Winery.
Tickets are required for this event, and advance purchase is recommended. Past Sweetheart Dances have sold out. Proceeds support the educational and interpretive programs of the Friends of Fort Vancouver. Learn more below.
The Friends of Fort Vancouver is a 501(c)3 volunteer organization whose activities include on-site educational lectures, bus tours, and arts and events activities. The Friends also operate the Bookstore and Gallery at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, which features Native American arts and jewelry, toys and other items made by Fort Vancouver’s volunteer blacksmiths and carpenters, and collectibles. Their fundraising activities help support your national park.
What: The Friends of Fort Vancouver’s Sweetheart Hangar Dance at Pearson Air Museum
When: Sat., March 28, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. A complimentary swing dance lesson for attendees will take place at 6 p.m.
Where: The Historic Hangar at Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E Fifth Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
Tickets: Tickets are $30 each when purchased in advance. Tickets are available for purchase on the Friends of Fort Vancouver website here, or at the Friends’ Bookstore and Gallery in the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. If the event is not sold out, tickets will be $35 at the door.
