Prom night for seniors at Ranch

Jimmy Dean (poster), Roger and Carolyn Gabrielson, in her for-real wedding dress, welcome Lou Ann Gibbs and Bruce Gibbs aboard Gabrielson's copy 1929 roadster for a ride to the Senior Prom Night dinner-dance at Black Butte Ranch. Photo by Tom Chace

We've barely gotten beyond Spring Break and already it's time for The Prom.

"In The Mood" -- Glenn Miller. "Take the A Train" -- Duke Ellington. "Sentimental Journey" -- Les Brown. "Moon River" -- Henry Mancini. "Fly Me To the Moon" -- Joe Harnell. "Night and Day" -- Cole Porter.

You'll be able to hear them all once again. Reminisce to your favorites, and dance the night away as you did on your real Prom Night. Only this is Senior Prom Night.

A special night of dining and dancing to the music of the '40s,'50s, '60s, and '70s is planned for a week from Saturday, April 12, at Black Butte Ranch, "and it is open to the public," said Sara Woody, special events coordinator.

The musical host for the party will be Roger Gabrielson with his collection of memorable tapes. His wife, Carolyn, and Lou Ann and Bruce Gibbs are providing unique adornment and preparing special, timely decorations for the gala evening.

"This is one of a series of special parties we're planning at the Ranch," said Woody.

"We want to make our facilities more open to the community and our friends in Sisters," she said. "It is so beautiful here, and so much fun, that we want to share what we have with our neighbors."

Joy Johnson, who is taking reservations, said they hope all party goers will come in their prom attire, "No matter what the date of that last senior prom.

"Although you are more than welcome in any kind of dress," she said.

"Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed, or the most appropriately dressed, from their own era and year," Johnson said. "We'll also have prizes for the best and most flamboyant dancers."

Maxine Braune, restaurant manager, said that there will be a no-host bar open all evening with dinner service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

"Dancing will start soon thereafter, around 7 p.m., and we'll have music and dancing until we drop," she said.

An insider suggested early reservations as the party is limited to just 100 guests to, "make it feel more like a private prom, more intimate and less crowded for dancing.

"We still have room for a few more couples," said Johnson.

"An elegant, gourmet dinner will offer a combination of filet of beef and poached salmon. Dessert (a vanilla bean Creme Brulêe), ranch salad, soft-drink beverages and gratuity are all included in the table d'hôte menu, prix fixe of $30," Braune added.

"A photo gallery will be set up along one wall for real prom pictures," Woody said, "and we encourage all who come to the prom to share what your time was like back then by bringing photographs and snapshots, good or bad."

For more information call 595-1260.