For CJMP 90.1 radio station staff and volunteers, organizing a prom-themed dance is an opportunity to allow partygoers to relive the magic of their own prom, or perhaps have even more fun now that high school is a distant memory.
“It’s the prom you would’ve wanted,” said CJMP volunteer and prom co-organizer Meghan Hildebrand.
This is the sixth year the local station has held the event. Initially inspired by Valentine’s Day People’s Prom in Vancouver, a fundraiser for grassroots resistance groups, the intention of this prom is simpler, according to Hildebrand.
“We were always adamant that it was not a fundraiser; it is a thank you,” she said.
The station relies on the support of a stable of volunteers and the community at large, said volunteer coordinator Jennye Vishek.
“Community radio is always looking for volunteers,” said Vishek.
This particular occasion is a chance to come together, dress up and dance. If dancing is not of interest, there will be other activities to enjoy.
“Along with dancing, there will be opportunities to be involved in other ways,” said Vishek. “There’s a crafting corner for the wallflowers; for those who don’t want to dance to make shadow puppets.”
In recent years organizers have come up with a theme for the yearly party as a way to help people with costume inspiration. Themes have included “Space Prom” and “Sock Hop Time Machine.” Many guests go all out in their costume preparations, said Hildebrand.
“Space prom was pretty impressive; we actually had some volunteers make a UFO for our photo booth,” she said. “People have also pulled out their most retro prom outfits and tuxes.”
Both women stress there is no pressure to dress up.
“People are encouraged to come in whatever they’re comfortable in,” said Hildebrand. The event is for those aged 19 and over and will include plenty of fun activities for those who do not drink alcohol.
“We really want to make sure we’re not just appealing to drinkers,” said Hildebrand. “We’ll have lots of great options and activities for non-drinkers, not just dancing. We just want to make it really welcoming to everyone.”
The community radio station has evolved in the last few years, according to Vishek. What started out as a fundraising branch of Powell River Model Community project in the early 2000s has blossomed into a volunteer-run station that has added more programming and a higher profile in the community in recent years, she said.
The station recently moved its radio tower so more households can receive its signal, added Vishek.
For organizers, the party is a way to celebrate achievements of the past 10 years. Volunteers are hard at work decorating the dance venue leading up to the event.
“We have this concept for decorating to give it a real circus feeling, like you’re outside under a circus tent,” said Hildebrand. “It’ll be quite magical.”
Cirque de Prom takes place Saturday, March 10, at Cranberry Seniors Centre, 6793 Cranberry Street. Doors open at 8:30 pm and tickets are available for $10 at the door.
