Come to the Battle Lake Airport Saturday, August 31, between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the 18th Memorial “Gathering of Airplanes.” The day brings pilots in planes large and small to the airport to pay tribute to master builder and restorer of vintage warbirds, Gerry Beck.

Beck, instrumental in the formation of the Fargo Air Museum and a highly respected pilot and master builder/restorer of vintage airplanes, died in an airplane accident in 2007. His company, Tri-State Aviation, Inc. in Wahpeton, however, continues his mission of returning warbirds to the skies to honor the veterans who flew them. Battle Lake is just one beneficiary of that mission as at least one restored warbird typically flies in for the event each year—along with Piper Cubs, Cessnas, float planes, and many more.

The Battle Lake Area Community Fund (BLACF) sponsors the Tribute to Beck – Gathering of Airplanes as a fundraiser to benefit the community through grant awards to non/profits, the school, and the city.  Money is raised through the sale of $10 raffle tickets. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time from BLACF board members or at the event. The event itself is free.

The Beck family’s association with Battle Lake is longstanding. Gerry’s widow Cindy Schreiber- Beck still has a place on West Battle Lake and she, along with their daughter Witney, granddaughter Echo, and other family members support the event each year.