STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

The happy bouncy sounds of music from the World War II era resounded through the Wood River Valley this week as the Victory Belles inundated the air waves with their three-part harmony.

The Belles, dressed in red, white and blue uniforms, rifled through snappy renditions and medleys of such songs as “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” “Harbor Lights,” “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” as veterans and their wives enjoyed personal pineapple upside down cake prepared for the American Legion by a former baker at The Konditorei.

Then, for good measure, they added a few songs like “Sun Valley Serenade” and “Let’s Choo Choo to Idaho” for the home crowd.

The Victory Belles got some of the veterans up onto their feet.

A little dancing with the veterans in the crowd, including Marine Morgan Ballis, Blaine County’s Sheriff, topped things off in the hour-long program. And the tight curls on one singer—maybe a proprietary war secret?”--mesmerized some in the audience.

The Victory Belles arrived in the Wood River Valley on Sunday from their home base at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. And they managed to get in singing engagements every evening, including an hour-long concert on the lawn outside the American Legion Hall, as the opening act at Hailey Rocks in Hailey’s Hop Porter Park and even a 40th anniversary party atop Bald Mountain.

Their appearance was meant to draw attention to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the upcoming commissioning of the nuclear USS Idaho submarine expected to take place in late April or May, said William “Bill” Potter.

And, if you missed the Victory Belles during their week here, you might be able to catch them at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Blaine County Sheriff Morgan Ballis got his 90 seconds of fame on stage.

“It’s well worth the visit,” said Potter.

The Victory Belles didn’t get a second of rest in between musical notes despite the high altitude.

William “Bill” Potter is a member of the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee.