Those who have been waiting almost a whole year for the Colley Senior Complex Gala, won't have to wait much longer.

At 7 p.m.

Saturday, the fun will begin when the Third Annual Colley Senior Complex Gala gets under way at Troy Country Club.

Mary Ann Casey, director of the Colley Senior Complex, said this year's Gala promises to be even better than before. All of the elements that make the Gala such a success are in place, including the music, the food, the fellowship and, of course, the silent auction which gets the Gala off in fine fashion.

"The music will be the big band sound of Ray Smith's Combo and it will, once again, be wonderful," Casey said.

Those who enjoy dancing will not find better dance music and those who enjoy just listening will not find better music.

Casey said some people are planning to come early to get a table near the band.

"But we'll have plenty of room for all of those who come," she said. "A tent will be set up outside with food tables set up and many people enjoy sitting at the tables on the terrace and coming inside to dance."

Dress for the Gala is black-tie optional, from sports coats to tux for men and from nice dresses to cocktail dresses for women.

The food will be heavy hors d'oeuvres. "Very heavy," Casey said. "And, there will be a cash bar. All it all, it will be a very festive event."

Tickets are still available for the Gala at $25 each and can be purchased at WTBF, First National Bank Troy, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Troy Bank & Trust and the Colley Senior Complex or by calling 808-8500.

The Gala is a fundraising event for the Troy Senior Foundation and benefits the Colley Senior Complex.

"Actually, the Gala benefit the entire area because we have people from a wide area who participate in our activities and events," Casey said.

The silent auction is a large part of the fundraising effort of the Gala.

"So many people are so generous in making auction items available to us," Casey said. "We have a long list of auction items and all of them are high quality items on which anyone would be fortunate to get the bid. And, there is such a variety. We expect the bidding to be very competitive."

Among the items up for bid at the Gala silent auction are:

 Paintings by Brain Bellemare, Amanda Porter, Judy Thornton, Mary Page, Mary Ann Casey, Wiley White

 Stained glass by Charles Adams

 Portraits by Jim Campbell, Larry Shillabeer, Mary Page and Vickie Sanders and Gail Davis.

 Jubilee posters signed by Jack Deloney

 Painted piece of furniture by Brian Bellemare

 Jean Lake print

 Fish fry by Jim Roling

 Three-night stay at Gulf Shores condo (Joel Williams)

 Gourmet cookies and two-pound strawberry bread by Chef Noel

 Bird House by A.D. Ryals

 Photography by Melinda Lyles

 Cake by Marsha Gaylard (special recipe)

 Party for 20 at John and Carol Dorrill's barn; steak and wine; music by Richard Schloemer, invitations by Dawn Railey - hosted by six couples

 Sports package

 Hank Williams Jr. memorabilia

 Sister Schubert basket

 Smocked dress by Agnes Johnson

 Pralines by Elaine Blair

 Basket by Julie's

 Bison and emu meat

 Jean Lake framed poster

 Swing with arbor and lawn mower, Hendrick's Home Center

 Italian Cream Cake by Connie Darby

 Hand painted chair by Jackie Floyd