Free Kick-Off Party May 18th

70th Anniversary Kick Off Party - May 18

The free kick off party will be in the Pride Hangar and begins at 4pm with an Airman's Call by Former BW/CC General William M. Fraser III.  Airman are to be in place at 3:45pm and the uniform will be UOD however changing into civilian clothes after the All-Call will be permitted.

Bus transportation is available for Airman starting at 3pm with bus rounds every 10 minutes.  The first two buses will stop at the Flying Squadron’s parking lot and Dakota’s Club and then at 3:10pm pick up at Medical Group’s front parking lot.

At 4:30pm, families are invited to attend the party and bus transportation will be available starting at 4:15pm at the Flying Squadron’s Parking lot, Dakota’s Club and the Medial Group’s front parking lot.

Fuddruckers will serve hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, beans and chips from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.

Event includes live music by the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band.  Other events include Kids Zone with Dr. Juggles, balloon twister, face painting, jumpy castles and a karaoke competition.

There will be Squadron competition that includes a ping-pong and X-Box tournament.

Prize drawings will be held throughout the evening and include a 42” flat screen, Xbox Kinect and an iPad!

(Must be present to win prizes)

 Below is a list of additional events for the weekend.

 70th Anniversary Golf Tournament - May 19

The tournament will be at the Golf Club at Red Rock in Rapid City and begins with a shotgun start at 8:30am. Registration is open to anyone but limited to 80 players.

Heritage Day - May 19

The South Dakota Air and Space Museum will host a free special event from 8:30am - 4:30pm to recognize and pay homage to the vital mission and dedicated service that Ellsworth has played in the defense of our nation.  Peter Vodenka will be the keynote speaker for this event.

70th Anniversary Celebration Dinner - May 19

The crown jewel of activities recognizing Ellsworth's 70-year history, this formal event at the Ramkota Best Western Hotel in Rapid CIty begins at 6pm with social hour, followed by dinner and addresses by Governor Daugaard and General Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff.

Heartland of America Band Concert - May 20

The U.S. Air Force HEartland of America Band's pop rock ensemble - Raptor - will perform a free concert at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City beginning at 2pm. Their music stretches from the top 40 pop and country hits of today to popular rock-n-roll classics.