Ten ways to be involved in the city’s flood anniversary

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A decade after the Red River flooded most of Greater Grand Forks, the community is preparing a four-day commemoration of the 1997 flood, highlighting the cities' resiliency, rebirth and growth.

Flood anniversary events cap off April 22 with a free, city-wide "thank you" dinner at the Alerus Center from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Famous band Los Lobos closes the night with a free show at 7:30 p.m.

Event planners hope to see a large military presence downtown, for it was the base's Airmen who played key roles during the flood, including filling sandbags, providing emergency relief and housing people who evacuated their homes.

Starting April 19, Air Force members and their families are encouraged to participate in the many flood anniversary activities. Here's what's on tap:

April 19:
─ The public's invited to a flood anniversary luncheon at the Alerus Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. East Grand Forks Mayor Lynn Stauss and former Grand Forks Mayor Pat Owens will be guest speakers. Tickets are $8 (will be $10 after April 16) and may be purchased by contacting the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce at (701) 772-7271. The base's honor guard will present the colors and Airman Kassandra Toves will sing the national anthem.
─ Area church bells will ring for two minutes to remember the time when fire broke out in downtown Grand Forks.
─ The Summer Performing Arts Company will present "Keep the Faith," a musical about the 1997 flood. The show's scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Chester Fritz Auditorium on the University of North Dakota campus. Tickets range from $5 to $15 and are available by calling the Chester Fritz Auditorium box office at (701) 777-4090 or by visiting www.Ticketmaster.com.

April 20:
─ A second performance of "Keep the Faith" is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Chester Fritz Auditorium (see April 19 events for more information).
─ East Grand Forks invites everyone to a night of free food, music and entertainment near the Boardwalk and River Street area. From 7 to 9 p.m., officials will be serving free hamburgers, bratwurst and hot dogs. They'll also have live music and children's activities, making this a family friendly night out.
─ When East Grand Forks' free barbecue and entertainment wraps up, stick around and enjoy a "Salute to America" fireworks display at 9 p.m.

April 21:
─ Everyone's invited to the Flood Anniversary Parade starting at 1:30 p.m. on DeMers Avenue in East Grand Forks. Come out and see all the floats, clowns, rescue vehicles and classic cars. And give the kids a chance to get some free candy, of course.

April 22:
─ Grand Forks will officially dedicate its Permanent Flood Protection project at noon. This ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the Town Square in downtown Grand Forks. Several distinguished guests are expected to attend the project's dedication.
─ Saving the best for last, the entire community's invited to a free "thank you" dinner at the Alerus Center from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
─ The "thank you" night's not over until the famous band Los Lobos performs a free concert at 7:30 p.m.

Times and locations of these events are subject to change. Stay tuned to local media reports, contact the Public Affairs office at 747-5023 or visit the base's Web site at http://public.grandforks.amc.af.mil for the most current information.

Opportunities are available for any military members wishing to volunteer at the April 22 "thank you" event. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact the Public Affairs office at 747-5023 or pa@grandforks.af.mil.