Famous Kansas aviators Clay Lacy and Ken Collins have confirmed they will be attending this year’s Kansas Aviation Museum Gala. Lacy owns and operates Clay Lacy Aviation and was made famous for, among other things, setting an around the world flight record. Collins is a famed SR-71 test pilot. Both will be inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame along with Micky Axton and Tex Johnston. Jim and Iva Ballard will also be in attendance and will receive the Governor’s Aviation Honor Award.
Guest of honor for the event will be Representative Todd Tiahrt and Master of Ceremonies Bonnie Bing. Other officials attending include Mayor Carl Brewer, local heads of the Wichita Chamber of Commerce, the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Nonprofit Chamber of Service.
The event will feature a tasty array of exquisite hors d’oeuvres, the jazz stylings of the Jim Keefer Trio, an exciting F-22 cockpit simulator with wrap around screen and the opportunity to fly the lightweight, indoor, radio controlled Vapor. The event will also include both live and silent auctions, with attendees presented the opportunity of securing a host of exciting items including a ride in a World War II era P-51 and/or a gourmet dinner for eight in the historic Wichita Air Terminal tower.
The event will be held on Saturday, November 5th at the Hyatt Hotel Grand Ballroom in downtown Wichita, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $75.00 each and sponsorship opportunities are available. Please inquire.
If you have any questions about the event or would like to make reservations, call museum staff at 316-683-9242. Ask for either Shanna Hein or Lon Smith.