Hangar 25 Museum Administrator Meghan Bias said she and her staff are putting the finishing touches on an evening that will put a smile on just about anyone's face.

“The Silver Wings Ball is our biggest fund-raiser of the year, so we spend a lot of time planning the evening so everyone who attends has a good time,” said Bias. “This year's ball will feature a silent auction, and we're really excited about the items that will be up for bidding.

“We have a weekend at Casa Del Sol, a bed and breakfast in Portales, N.M., up for bid this year, and it's really creating a stir among our prospective bidders. We also have a number of items that have been donated by area businesses, like Blackshear Interiors, Gaze Crystal Kitchen and Salon 101. These auctions are always so much fun, and some of the bidders are pretty competitive, so I think everyone will come out a winner when it's over.”

Bias said tickets for the event are $25 each, and larger parties can actually book their own tables.

“If you have eight people in your group, you can actually reserve an entire table for $200,” said Bias. “The ball will be held at the Big Spring Country Club, and the number of tickets available are limited. They will be available up until the day of the ball, unless they run out before them. It's really a good idea to get your tickets before that Friday to ensure we don't run out.”

Music and dancing will be provided by Midland-based Millenium Jazz, according to Bias.

“We've used them for several years now, and they really do a fantastic job,” said Bias. “They're not loud or obnoxious, and guests get the chance to dance and have fun. We're really looking forward to having them back this year.”

The evening will kick off with a cocktail hour from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., ending with a special toast from a local resident who's no stranger to the Hangar 25 Air Museum, according to Bias.

“Jerry Worthy will be delivering our evening toast around 7 p.m.,” said Bias. “Anyone who knows about the history of the Hangar 25 Museum knows about Jerry.”

Worthy was one of the driving forces behind the preservation and establishment of the hangar/museum, which is located on the former Webb Air Force Base.

“There will be hors devours served, and I'm really excited about them because I've been working with the chef at the country club to come up with some different and exciting options,” said Bias. “Coffee and tea will be served as well, and there will be a cash bar available.”

Bias said attire for the evening is Texas formal or military dress, and the funds raised by the event will help the local museum with operating costs and other financial issues.

“The funds we raise each year with the Silver Wings Ball are very important to the operation of the museum,” said Bias. “It also allows us to bring in new and different exhibits and plan exhibits and activities of our own, so the community's support is such a large part of this.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the museum at 264-1999.

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