The City of Los Alamitos Recreation & Community Services Department held its 7th annual MemorialCare Senior Prom event on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Los Alamitos Community Center. The older adult community (50+) was invited to take part in this fun, reimagined night of an age-old tradition.
The Senior Prom was created with the objective of expanding social gathering experiences for older adults within Los Alamitos. Community Services Coordinator and event organizer Gilberto Arteaga-Ceja invited the community to an intimate, themed evening full of dancing, live music, crowning ceremony, catered dinner, photobooth opportunities, and door prizes. Tickets were sold at a nominal fee with a total of 96 seats were available for purchase, but the event was sold out two weeks before event day. Due to the increasing demand, an additional 16 seats were provided on the day of the event for walk-in participants.
This year, the program took it back to the 70s with a disco themed event and featured a hefty amount of shimmering décor and soft, colored lights. Groovy tunes were played by the popular King Salmon and the Funk Yard Horns band while the chicken alfredo pasta dinner was catered by Valentino’s Pizza in Los Alamitos. Further, the Los Alamitos Senior Club graciously donated the first wine glass for every participant and sold additional servings at as a fundraiser for the Club.
For many, the highlight of the event was the large, glimmering disco ball hanging from the center of the dance floor as they danced the evening hours away.
Before the night was over, a Senior Prom King & Queen was crowned; this year, Sherry and Simon travelling from Yorba Linda, were the lucky winners. In shock, Sherry looked at staff and commented, “You guys are so funny! I never thought this would ever happen!” as she claimed her sash and bedazzled tiara. In addition, all attendees received a door prize ticket at the entrance for a chance at winning one of multiple prizes. Over $200 in prizes were donated by local restaurants as well as a barbecue grill gift basket by the Los Alamitos Development Services Department.
For many, the highlight of the event was the large, glimmering disco ball hanging from the center of the dance floor as they danced the evening hours away. These special moments could not have been possible without the event sponsors. The Los Alamitos Recreation & Community Services Department continues to offer fun experiences at an affordable fee thanks to the returning Title Sponsor MemorialCare, as well as the gold sponsor, Home Instead. Further contributions included:
• Wine donations from the Los Alamitos Senior Club
• Floral donations from Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries
Door Prizes from:
o Paul’s Place Los Alamitos
o Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails
o El Zarape Mexican Restaurant Cypress
o Los Alamitos Development Services Department
Set your calendars because Senior Prom will return with another exciting, themed night next May. For more information about upcoming events and programs, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.
