Staff writers
A Saturday event at Peabody will put new meaning into the phrase “senior prom.”
A seniors prom at the American Legion will be for anyone 21 and over. It is being organized by members of the American Legion Auxiliary.
“We thought it would be fun to have a seniors’ prom,” auxiliary member Myrna Wood said, “a prom for us older people, a chance to dress up and go out. We have members searching the local second-hand shops to find the perfect dress.”
Terri Hedrick, another auxiliary member, said the idea came up in October or November.
She has spent this week looking for the perfect dress.
“I haven’t totally picked it yet,” Hedrick said Monday. “I have three I’m looking at this evening, and if I don’t find one, on Friday I’m going to Andover to the Goodwill Store.”
Hedrick said she didn’t want to go to a young women’s dress shop and pay hundreds of dollars, so she’s scouting for a less costly dress.
If that doesn’t work, she will make one last effort Saturday.
“My hairdresser is doing my hair at noon on Saturday, and her daughter has a dress that might fit me,” Hedrick said.
Hedrick will attend with her significant other, longtime post member Mark Levering. Levering first thought the prom was a silly idea, but he’s now looking forward to going, Hedrick said.
Although classified as a “senior prom,” Wood said anyone 21 or older is welcome.
“It’s not necessarily for old, old people,” Wood said. “We try to encourage the young ones to come in, too, and I’d hope that this is something they’d enjoy.”
Open to members and non-members, the prom will be 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Prom attire is encouraged, but not required. Entry charge is $5.
Live music will be provided.