Some seniors came by themselves and some with dates but all seemed to enjoy the conversation, food, music and dancing at the third annual Senior Prom hosted by the city of Ceres.

Judging by the crowd of 117 who attended on Sept. 18, the Ceres Community Center event will be a mainstay of recreation offerings as long as the city is willing to host it. The first annual event in 2024 drew 30 seniors and approximately 75 signed up last year.

The theme of Hollywood Movie Premiere included Hollywood and popcorn style balloons.

There were so many more seniors attending this year that the large assembly room had to be reconfigured with long tables, a change from the round tables used last year.

The event is a favorite of Crystel Aguilar, the city’s Recreation Coordinator who not only plans but serves at the event.

After enjoying a meal consisting of grilled chicken, raw vegetables, hummus and fruit served along with a cake, seniors like Lorenzo Cumbie and good friend Susan Simpson danced away like teenagers for hours to tunes played by a hired DJ. So did Steve and Ann Minshall who were dashing figures on the dance floor.

Simpson and Cumbie came to Ceres from the Bay Area at about the same time (2010) on two different trajectories. Susan had been widowed in 1987 and met Cumbie who moved to Ceres to care for his aging mother after his father died. It was apparent the two, who met at a class offered by the city for seniors, are fond of either other and enjoy dancing together.

Single senior Nancy Shamgochian came to the event and enjoyed letting loose on the dance floor again, relishing her retirement years which she terms the third chapter in life. She spent 54 years in the classroom as a teacher and now enjoys life at her pace.

The prom was made possible by a number of volunteers.

Seniors will be treated to a Costume Party on Oct. 30.