Celebrate New Year's Eve and support the USO



Sample wines at Grape Creek
Winery

Head out to the Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas and help support the United Service Organization (USO) while ringing in (or swinging in) 2012 in style--1940s style that is. Fly your plane into the adjacent Gillespie County Airport, or drive to the iconic hotel for a night of old-fashioned fun.

Actually, I don't need a good cause to entice me to Fredericksburg. It's one of my all-time favorite cities in central Texas. In addition to wonderful German food and brew, there's so much to do: shop for antiques or funky contemporary items, learn history of World War II, go fly fishing or kayaking, climb Enchanted Rock, browse art galleries, visit nearby wineries (and sample the vino while you're there), or just mosey around the downtown square.

Insight Gallery showcases
 fine works of art.

But if you haven't already made plans for ushering in the new year, here's a good place to click your heels. The Hangar Hotel and Conference Center will host a New Year's Eve Hangar Dance on Saturday, December 31, 2011. A percentage of the event's proceeds will be donated to USO Ft. Hood, which delivers programs and services to more than 40,000 service members and their families.

The dance will feature big band music by Fredericksburg local Bill Smallwood and The Lonestar Swing Orchestra. Attendees can participate in swing dance lessons from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and then the band will play from 9:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best 1940s inspired outfits and participate in the costume contest. Those donning a military uniform will receive a coupon for a free drink.

The Hangar Hotel was designed to mimic the look of a WWII airplane hangar, providing the perfect setting for a USO style dance. The event will be held in the Pacific Showroom, located next to the hotel, which is decorated in South Pacific/WWII style complete with palm trees and tiki bar.

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve celebration include a complimentary champagne toast, party favors, black-eyed peas and cornbread at midnight. $40 a person ($10 per person discount for anyone who books two nights at the Hangar Hotel.) For more information or to purchase tickets to the dance contact the Hangar Hotel at (830) 997-9990.

Information provided by Kelly Ayers, Marketing & Events Manager, Hangar Hotel Kelly@hangarhotel.com