RANSHAW - One look at Elaine Bower Saturday night and she could be judged perhaps the happiest person at the Enchantment Under the Sea Adult Prom at Brady Fire Company.
The 54-year-old Coal Township woman missed her high school prom at Line Mountain, and her radiant smile showed she was glad to have a second chance all these years later.
"I'm having a wonderful time! I feel like I'm 18 again," she said.
Her husband, Fred, even called Elaine's mother to seek parental permission before asking her to the event, a gesture, while unnecessary, brought tears to her eyes.
The couple went all out: Fred was wearing a black tux and top hat; Elaine was wearing a coral colored evening gown with white opera gloves. And they made their grand entrance in style in a 2010 black Ford Mustang.
"I can't stop smiling," she said.
The prom, organized by Coal City Revitalization Inc., a nonprofit organization that formed last year
and hosted the inaugural Zombie Run in October, was attended by more than 150 people.
"I'm elated; this is fantastic," Coal City treasurer Ronald P. McElwee said. "If this is any indication as to what it's going to be like, it will only get bigger and better in the future."
He described the atmosphere as a cross between the 1985 movie "Back to the Future" and an old school prom theme with a vibe of nostalgia.
"We wanted to make it basic, but as elegant as possible with a limited budget and resources," McElwee said.
All the old tropes of high school proms were apparent: a handmade banner with an over-the-top theme; a professional photographer with an elaborate set for couple photos, and sparkling, extravagant dresses.
"My high school prom was very toned down, because we didn't have a whole lot of money. This is ten times better," said Dave Jurewicz, 33, of Shamokin.
He said there is little to do on a Saturday night since most of the better venues are out of town; therefore, he often finds himself going home early on the weekends.
"This is a breath of fresh air," he said.
Admission was $40 per couple, $25 per person and included drinks (beer and limited mixed drinks) and a meal of roasted chicken and baked ziti catered by Scicchitano's of Kulpmont.
Photography was provided by Josh Bressi Photography of Carriage House Studio, Shamokin. Dave Smith, of Danville, had his 1982 DeLorean with props from "Back to the Future" on display.
During dinner, entertainment was provided by DJ Timmy Barrett; following dinner, Marla and the Juniper Street Band performed. There was also the crowning of a prom king and queen, in which the "court" had to purchase raffle tickets and be randomly selected.
Coal City Revitalization will be donating the money raised at the event toward the painting of a mural in Shamokin by Earl Sheriff, of Irish Pot of Gold Beer Distributor, and to the Shamokin 150th Anniversary Committee.
McElwee said those interested in learning about more events should check out Coal City Revitalization on Facebook, and those interested in purchasing photographs from Saturday night should go to www.jbressi.com.