Published: September 06, 2008 10:43 pm         

Organizers, staff rallying for Victory Days

TERRE HAUTE — More than 50 organizers and staff rallied Saturday morning at the Terre Haute International Airport-Hulman Field, beginning the plans for next month’s Victory Days.

“We’re still looking for volunteers,” executive director Paul King said, surrounded by dozens of people organizing fliers and pamphlets.

Victory Days, a not-for-profit organization based out of Indianapolis, will host a three-day World War II-era fair Oct. 3-5 at Hulman Field.

With assistance from the Vigo County Historical Society, the event will feature 1940s-style entertainment, as well as a World War II military encampment and displays of what life was like during the time of “victory gardens,” food rationing and war bonds.

“We’re still working on the itinerary,” King said, noting that a dinner-dance will be featured Oct. 3 and participation will bring free admission to the weekend’s demonstrations.

Live music from the era will be played, as well as re-creations of typical living rooms from the pre-television 1940s, centered around radios.

Along with battle re-enactments and a paratrooper drop, World War II tanks, weapons and other military equipment will be on display in a motor pool, near an old-style mess hall and field hospital.

Movies and radio broadcasts from the era will be displayed, as will automobiles and agricultural equipment from the era. The event also includes a hangar dance and fashion show.

Senior citizens age 80 or older may attend at no cost, as may all active-duty service members including reservists and Guardsmen in uniform with a valid military ID. Children under 5 also are free.

Events kick off each day at 8:30 a.m. and last until 5 p.m.

King said tickets can be purchased online at a discount at www.victorydays.org or by calling (812) 669-1717. Tickets also can be bought at Old National Bank locations.

Brian M. Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.