Learn about & win tickets to the 1940s WWII Era Ball in Boulder, Colorado

1940s WII Era Ball FB
Courtesy of the 1940s WWII Era Ball. Click the picture to join the ball on Facebook.

Put on your reddest lips and slip on your most comfortable dancing shoes, it’s time for one of Colorado’s most unique events, the 1940s WWII Era Ball.

I have been to the ball and it was a terrific experience. The Big Band Christmas Ball, produced by the same folks, has also become a tradition in my family. The popularity of these two events has resulted in a third ball being added in September, the Voodoo Island 1940s & 1950s Tiki Exotica Ball.

Being involved in these parties has even inspired Ryan and I to take swing lessons, so that we can cut a proper rug on the dance floor at these events. We’re usually the ones salsa dancing to big band music, which can be done, but just doesn’t look as good.

WWII ball tank
1940s WWII Era Ball, 2011. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer, all rights reserved.

The 1940s WWII Era Ball is held annually at the Boulder Airport, an ideal location for an event that includes vintage airplanes, a 40s car show, military vehicles and re-enactors. The ball is taking place Father’s Day weekend and features a 1940s USO style show with Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and the Andrews Sisters. The world famous Las Vegas Bob Hope impersonator, Bill Johnson, has been booked for the ball this year.

My favorite part of the ball is dancing the night away to the tunes of The Hot Tomatoes, the Rocky Mountain’s most sought after big band. It’s impossible not to get up and boogie when this band is on the stage.

The airport grounds are transformed into a festive atmosphere with food vendors and cocktail stands. I recommend getting to the ball early enough to tour the vintage cars and airplanes while it’s still light out so that you can take some photos.

The event is a salute to “The Greatest Generation,” and many of these men and women come to the ball. In fact, there is a vast array of ages and faces at this event, and everyone is friendly so be ready to make a few new friends.

The Mayor showing a little leg at the 1940s WWII Ball
The Mayor of HeidiTown showing a little leg at the1940s WWII Ball. Photo by Ryan Schlaefer, all rights reserved.

This year’s theme is Casablanca and the hanger at the airport will be transformed into Rick’s Café American, complete with belly dancers, Rick, Sam and a working roulette table.

This is truly a night to remember, and last year the ball sold out. This year, the 1940s WWII Era Ball will be held Saturday, June 16 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance through the website and $35 at the door. Children under 12 are not permitted.

Now here’s your chance to win a pair of tickets to this fantastic event. Just leave a comment here telling me your favorite classic film. I know many of you love “Casablanca,” but my favorite is Hitchcock’s “Rear Window.”

The winner will be chosen using Random.org on Monday, June 4 at 3 p.m.

Good luck!

21 Comments


  1. Best classic movie- The Grapes of Wrath!

    Please let random.org pick me…

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  2. Always a fan of the Maltese Falcon.

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  3. Are there still tickets available for the sWWWll Ball on the 16th of June?

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  4. Gone With the Wind!!! Love me some Rhett Butler.

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  5. My favorite classic film would also have to be Rear Window as well!! Hop I win 🙂

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  6. Not that old but love “where eagles dare”. ! This is one of the most unique and fun events of the year. Just love it!

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  7. The Incredible Mr Limpet 🙂
    A 1964 classic…based in the 1940’s

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  8. Not only is Casablanca my favorite classic movie, it is my favorite movie period!

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  9. My very first Disney film my father bought me was created in 1942. The movie that made EVERYONE cry: Bambi

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  10. Its A Wonderful Life has been a favorite of mine 🙂

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  11. Casablanca can’t be beat but I could teach a leadership class from 12 O’Clock High.

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  12. Kelly’s Heroes has always been one of my faves.

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  13. my wife and I have always wanted to go back and watch every single Best Picture winner starting with “Wings,” and haven’t gotten around to starting yet. This would be cool way to launch that project for us. My favorite is probably “It’s a wonderful life.”

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  14. Casablanca is a really great movie, but one of other favorite old classics is Laura, because it reminds of my Dad. He would play the theme song on our piano, and we would watch it together on rainey evenings when we got our first betamax player!

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  15. It’s a tie between Casablanca and Flight of the Phoenix (not the remake – yuck!) Ya know, one day someone is gonna remake Casablanca and I’m gonna toss my cookies.

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  16. My favorite classic film is the old Miracle on 34th Street… even though it’s not Christmas time! 🙂

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  17. According to Random.org, the winner is Leslie Shadle!!! Congrats to Leslie!

    Thank you to everyone who entered the contest this year. I’m sad to miss the event. I will be attending TBEX, a travel bloggers conference taking place in Keystone, Colorado this June.

    For the rest of you, tickets ARE still available through http://1940sball.com/Big_Band_Christmas_Ball/Home.html. Get your tickets before they are gone! This is a one-of-a-kind experience – so don’t miss it!

    Reply

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