Dinosaurs, sports tickets and steel drums came together Saturday night at the Midwest Museum of Natural History.

The MMNH, 425 W. State St. in Sycamore, hosted its third annual Groundhog Gala on saturday.

“It was a very successful evening, and we would like to thank everyone for coming out,” said MMNH executive director Molly Holman.

This event is the MMNH’s largest fundraiser of the year, and museum employees said they are still tallying up how much was raised. According to some guests, the event did not disappoint.

“I had a great time,” said Sycamore resident Tom Wilde. “I came last year, and I will be coming again next year. [This is] just a really fun event, and I wouldn’t want to miss out.”

Those who attended were able to take part in Latin dancing, learn about taxidermy with retired biology instructor Terry Martin or enjoy a glass of wine.

“The steel drummer is my favorite part about being here,” Wilde said. “That sound is really cool.”

Guests also had the opportunity to sit down with Scott Williams, dinosaur expert and director of exhibits and science at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St. in Rockford. Janie Grillo, volunteer for the Monarch Watch program and a native plant expert, also gave a presentation.

Guests were able to walk around the entire museum, allowing them to see the exhibits the museum has to offer.

“It’s a great way to let the community get to know the museum exhibits and staff,” Holman said.

A silent auction also took place, featuring Chicago White Sox tickets, Rockford Ice Hogs tickets, Kane County Cougar tickets and tickets to NIU sporting events.

“Overall, this was a fantastic evening, and it is something that the museum looks forward to every year,” Holman said. “We hope to see everyone back out next year and at our other events this year.”