DeKALB | As Groundhog Day approaches, the Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 West State St., will be hosting its third annual Groundhog Gala, Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Guests at the event will enjoy an evening complete with live music, exhibits, a silent auction and plenty of tasty treats.

“The event is catered for adults and is seen as a night out where guests can enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine at the open bar,” said Molly Holman, MMNH executive director. “There will be food, drinks, Latin dancers, a steel drummer and it is a unique event that represents a variety of aspects surrounding natural history.”

Guests will have the opportunity to meet with experts Scott Williams, Janie Grillo, and Terry Martin. Scott Williams, director of exhibits and science at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 North Main St. in Rockford, is a dinosaur expert. Grillo is a volunteer with the Monarch Watch program and is a native plant expert. Martin, retired biology instructor at Kishwaukee College, is a master in the art of taxidermy, Holman said.

The Groundhog Gala is the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds support educational programming, live animal care, museum operations and community outreach.

“It is a nice event and it would not be possible to have this caliber of museum without the generous support of community members,” said Fourth Ward Alderwoman Terry Kessler.

“Last year we saw a little over 100 guests and this year we are shooting for 150 people to come out for a fun event that goes to a good cause,” said Holman.

Tickets are $30 each or two for $50 and are available at the museum or can be reserved over the phone at 815-895-9777.

For more information about the Groundhog Gala or the Midwest Museum of Natural History, visit its website at www.mmnh.org.