Local seniors showed up in bow ties and dresses for the first Senior Prom put on by Aspen Creek Senior Living in Kenai on Friday.

Life Enrichment Director Carrie Nelson said the Kenai and Soldotna Aspen Creek locations alternate hosting larger events for their communities. In brainstorming options, the concept of putting on a prom turned some heads.

“Since they’re seniors, we wanted to do a senior prom,” Nelson said.

To give residents a “day of glam,” professional makeup artist Paige Ramos and hair stylists River Kitchens and Rachel Gauthier were brought in.

Aspen Creek’s main dining space was filled with seniors and guests around 6 p.m. They sat for dinner and then milled about as a DJ played tracks by Elvis and Village People. In an activity room, casino-themed games were played with novelty poker chips — takes on roulette and blackjack.

All day Friday, votes were cast by residents to choose Aspen Creek’s first Senior Prom king and queen. The honors went to Dennis Borbon and Lorraine Ashcraft — bestowed with crowns and trophies.

The two sat for photos by friends and Aspen Creek staff, light reflecting off Ashcraft’s glittery dress. After the crowd dispersed, they said they were surprised to have been voted royalty.

“I can’t believe this,” Borbon said.

“It’s amazing,” Ashcraft said.

For more information about Aspen Creek Senior Living, visit facebook.com/AspenCreekSeniorLiving.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Aspen Creek Senior Living staff join residents on the dance floor at the 2023 High Roller Senior Prom at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Senior Prom King Dennis Borbon is crowned at the 2023 High Roller Senior Prom at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Senior Prom Queen Lorraine Ashcraft is crowned at the 2023 High Roller Senior Prom at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Senior Prom King and Queen Dennis Borbon and Lorraine Ashcraft are crowned at the 2023 High Roller Senior Prom at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Senior Prom Queen Lorraine Ashcraft sits for a photo with Life Enrichment Director Carrie Nelson at the 2023 High Roller Senior Prom at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Senior Prom King and Queen Dennis Borbon and Lorraine Ashcraft are crowned at the 2023 High Roller Senior Prom at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)