The Billy Carter Service Station Museum will open its doors on May 3. The Plains Better Hometown Program has renovated the old service station and transformed it to reflect Billy Carter’s life and the station’s history. Sybil Carter will join with friends, family and visitors to share their memories of Billy Carter and the beloved service station that became a gathering place for locals and the media.

The Better Hometown Program partnered with the University of Georgia and Sybil Carter to create the museum exhibits that will be on display to the public. Items such as Billy’s cowboy boots and hat, colorful overalls and unique t-shirts are just a tiny bit of what visitors can expect to see.

The ceremony begins at noon, and will be followed by live music and a barbecue lunch. This is a free event that is open to the public.

The fun continues into the evening with the Golden Peanut Auction. The night begins with a silent auction at 6:30 p.m., followed by the live auction at 8 p.m. Items up for bid include a complete, signed collection of President and Mrs. Carter’s books, unique items from their foreign travels, personal items from their home, a catered barbecue with the Carters and many more treasures for the Carter collectors around the world.

Because this is such an intimate event, seating is limited to 200. There are a limited number of hotel packages available. The packages include a one-night stay for two guests at the historic Plains Inn, two front-row auction tickets, private reception with the Carters prior to the auction, lunch and dinner on the day of the auction and breakfast for two following the auction. Packages are priced at $2,000. Regular ticket prices start at $15 and increase according to row placement.

Proceeds benefit the Plains Better Hometown Program, which strives to make Plains a great place to live, work and visit. President and Mrs. Carter are active board members of the Plains Better Hometown Program and will have front-row seats at this year’s event.

Reserve your seats today by calling 824-5373 or by email at pbht@sowega.net.