Life Editor

Anoka County’s sesquicentennial celebration has passed its final historical milestone.

The series of events commemorating 150 years of county history drew to a close Friday, Dec. 7, with a hangar dance at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (Janes Field).

The Anoka County Historical Society event at the Golden Wings Museum included a catered dinner followed by an evening of dancing to the music of the Tom Ward Riverfest Jazz Ensemble.

Attendees placed silent auction bids on 150 framed photos that were a part of the exhibition “Picturing Anoka County: 150 Photos for 150 Years,” as well as a handcrafted ox cart and purchased raffle tickets for a one-of-a-kind Anoka County sesquicentennial quilt.

Throughout the event, Golden Wings Museum staff were on hand to show the dozens of restored aircraft, the vast majority dating from the World War II era and before.

Many attendees donned clothing and costumes from that period to provide an added touch to the celebration.

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R), an Anoka High School graduate, presented ACHS Executive Director Todd Mahon with a commemorative Minnesota sesquicentennial flag.

On May 11, 2008, Minnesota will celebrate 150 years of history as a state.

In January, Minnesota’s sesquicentennial officially begins. The year will be filled with commemorative events.

Bart Ward, a member of Anoka County Historical Society Board of Directors, read proclamation letters sent by Sen. Norm Coleman (R) and Mark Ritchie, Minnesota secretary of state.

Anoka County Board Chairman Dennis Berg read a proclamation letter from Gov. Tim Pawlenty that mentioned the state’s sesquicentennial celebration as well as the 66th anniversary of the attack that brought America into World War II as a major combatant.

Pawlenty had proclaimed Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day throughout Minnesota.

U.S. and state flags flew at half-staff at all state buildings in Minnesota from sunrise until sunset in honor of those who died on Dec. 7, 1941.

“It’s been a fantastic year filled with history and heritage,” said Berg, recapping the yearlong celebration.

The Anoka County Sesquicentennial Hangar Dance was made possible, in part, Mahon said, by a donation from Oppenheimer & Co.

Mahon also thanked the Anoka County Historical Society staff for their work during the sesquicentennial.



Tim Hennagir is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .