Nearly 200 people attended the first Lake Mills Care Center prom, “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” April 23.

People began pouring in before 2 p.m. and the festivities were kicked off with the crowning of the prom king and queen, Murlette Hagen and Ray Haugsdal. After the crowning ceremony, Glen Henricksen played 1940s-themed music for two hours while neighbors and guests danced.

“It was such a neat afternoon,” Chris Johnson, activities director, said. “It was wonderful to see staff, families, and neighbors dancing and celebrating.”

For some of the neighbors, it was their first-ever prom. This was true for both Alva Sorenson and Alice Bidne. “My husband and I used to dance when we were younger,” Alva said. “He was a marvelous dancer.”

“It was wonderful,” Addie Rolands, a neighbor at the Lake Mills Care Center, said. “The guests enjoyed it as much as we did and that was great to see.” Addie went on to say that people who were 100 years old and even older participated by dressing up and dancing.

This will be an annual event.