Prom Night

We went to Prom on Saturday night—all three of us. So Taco has now been to his first dance, where he sat around with his parents and ate cheese chunks, olives, and baby carrots for dinner. I think there was a fruit platter, but that vanished almost the moment it was set out.

The Alakanuk Prom is definitely different than any I’ve been to—and I’ve attended a few. (I’ve gone to several with Keri to help chaperone.) I think there were more adults than kids there (not much to do around these parts, so everyone turns out).

And around here, “anything goes” in the wardrobe department. The kids were dressed in everything from sweatpants to scruffy jeans and t-shirts to full-blown formals. I fit right in. I wore a fancy beaded top with a pretty black skirt. And to complete the outfit, I decked my feet out in hiking boots. But at least I scraped the mud off and wiped them with a washcloth first. They had won out over the other options—snow boots, white runners, or big rubber farmer boots.

During the evening, there was the traditional announcement of Prom King and Queen, as well as the Junior Prince & Princess. The Prince & Princess were siblings, and their dance together was hilarious. They stayed about as far away from each other as they could and robot-stepped around the room.

The decorations were cute, the music was not bad, and I got to dance with my husband. It was a fun evening.

Next year, I think I’ll buy something special to wear to the Prom. Like black runners—and maybe even some sparkly shoelaces.

Our Junior Prince & Princess.

A group of kids dancing the Macarena—wearing anything from jeans to formal dress. The girl on the right is wearing a quspuk (a traditional Yup’ik top). Just off camera is someone in sweatpants.