The Owls Head Transportation Museum’s second annual evening fundraising gala, the Barnstormers Ball, takes place on Saturday, Sept. 12. This “can’t miss” event features live music, special raffles, a short live auction, cocktails and delicious food all set amid the Museum’s world-class collection of ground vehicles and aircraft.

On this special evening the Museum is transformed into a 1920s inspired party venue, taking design cues from the famous — and daring — barnstormers that defined an era of aviation. These brazen pilots flew from village to village chasing the seasons in their post WWI surplus aircraft. It has often been said that these aviators of old relied on “bailing wire, chewing gum and guts” to keep their aircraft aloft.

Known for the impromptu performances, the barnstormers came by their title honestly: often appropriating a farmer’s field as a makeshift airfield for their visit, offering the farmer a ride in exchange for his hospitality. Word traveled fast when the barnstormers were in town, their promotional tactics included such feats as flying straight down the main street of whatever small town they were visiting in an effort to draw an audience.

In the spirit of these historic aviators we invite you to don your finest 1920s evening wear or vintage aviation inspired garb and join us for our celebration of history, fun and a little bit of good old-fashioned showmanship.

Dance the night away to the sounds of Maine’s favorite party band, Wavelength while enjoying specialty cocktails, beer by Gritty McDuff’s, wine by Cellardoor Winery and delicious, locally-inspired food catered by Swan’s Way. Each ticket holder will receive a complimentary glass of wine or beer, and a cash bar will be offered for the duration of the event.

Several raffles will be offered throughout the evening and raffle tickets will be offered exclusively to Barnstormers Ball guests for purchase on site during the evening of the event only. Tickets are $10 each or six tickets for $50. Diverse raffle prize packages include a Cancun vacation, weekend getaways at some of Maine’s finest destination Inns, a lobster bake, a racing package for 12 adults at Maine Indoor Karting and more.

A CedarWorks Frolic 21 play set valued at more than $5,000 will headline a brief live auction and the winner of a 1960 MGA 1600 Mk I Roadster will also be drawn. All 777 tickets for the MG raffle are now sold out.

Tickets for the gala are now available for $100 per person — and a limited number will be offered. To purchase tickets please visit owlshead.org or call the Museum at 207-594-4418. Reserved tables are available in advance. All proceeds benefit museum education programs.

For more information on the Barnstormers Ball, contact Owls Head Transportation Museum Public Relations Director Jenna Lookner at 207-594-4418.

The Owl’s Head Transportation Museum is located at 117 Museum Street in Owl’s Head.