Teresa Darden, executive assistant for the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation, said sign ups have been fairly slow the last few weeks.

“The buses we have chartered are about half full right now, so we're hoping to get a few more people signed up to go before the 5 p.m. deadline Thursday,” said Darden. “When we announced last week we were extending the deadline, I had hoped we would get a lot more people in, but it's been pretty slow.”

Darden said there are currently 200 people — including students with the Howard County Choir — signed up to make the trip, which is slated for March 25.

“We're down in numbers a little compared to years past, but it's nothing drastic,” said Darden. “I'm not really sure why. I suppose with money so tight these days there are people who want to go but simply can't afford the cost.”

Terry Wegman, executive director of the Big Spring EDC, said the deadline only pertains to those wishing to take advantage of the chartered buses and catered lunch, but he's hoping everyone who plans to go will sign up with their office before they go.

“We're asking everyone to register at the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, regardless of how they are getting there or when they are leaving,” said Wegman. “For those planning to take advantage of the bus we have chartered, we'll be leaving from the east parking lot at Howard College's Dorothy Garrett Coliseum at 4:30 a.m.

“It's $40 to take the bus, and that included transportation to and from the capitol and a box lunch while we're there. The deadline to pay for a bus ticket or order a box lunch is Thursday. If you're not taking the bus but want to have a box lunch waiting for you, it's $9. The Thursday deadline also pertains to the box lunches.

“Food and drinks on the bus will be the responsibility of those traveling, and on the way back we'll be stopping off at Coopers Barbecue, which will be Dutch treat. We expect to arrive back at Howard College at approximately 11 p.m.”

Wegman said the time at the State Capitol will be well spent, featuring a number of events to help highlight Big Spring and Howard County.

“They will read the resolution on the floor of the House and Senate proclaiming March 25 Big Spring Day in Austin,” said Wegman. “Also, students from the Howard County School Choir — made up of students from several different schools in the area — will perform in the Rotunda. We'll have a box lunch on the East Grounds of the Capitol, as well as have a Coke and Blue Bell Ice Cream reception, followed by a group photo on the Capitol steps.”

Residents planning to attend are being asked to follow a dress code while in the capitol, Wegman said.

“We're asking everyone to wear a Big Spring shirt and khaki pants or skirt,” said Wegman.

For more information on Big Spring Area Day in Austin, call Big Spring EDC at 264-6032 or the Big Spring Chamber at 263-7641.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it