The SS Sicamous Society is hosting a party they hope everyone will get into the swing of.
On Saturday the historic paddlewheeler hosts a 20’s-era inspired Prohibition Party with music, dancing, drinks and food. The event is a fundraiser for the Sicamous.
“The 20s were a romantic time,” said Jessie Dunlop, assistant manager of the SS Sicamous. “I saw the Great Gatsby movie which was one of the inspirations behind this and the vintage era seems to be very much in fashion at the moment and is something people are embracing.
“Last year a 1920s theme party was held there and it just suits the venue. We want to make a tradition of it and host things people get excited about.”
Local wines will be poured from Misconduct and Dirty Laundry and Cannery Brewing will be offering their libations, making the event only for those 19 years and older. Dunlop said those attending the fundraiser should expect opulence and decadence to take centre stage with food such as keen key lime pie, swanky stuffed mushrooms with truffle oil, a West End Waldorf salad and more. Those attending are also encouraged to dress up.
“We want people to get their feathers and hats and really get into the swing of it,” she said.
“I love the 20s. If you look at photographs from that era everyone looks so beautiful and glamorous no matter what they are doing or what time of day it is.”
The Penticton School of Dance will be attending to perform and teach the Charleston and some old fashion dance lessons. Dunlop added DJ Captain K will be playing a mix of vintage music and electro-swing.
“It is a new genre quite popular in Europe that infuses old music with new beats and it is fun to dance to,” she said.
With the event just a few days away Dunlop said it doesn’t take much to throw a costume together. She said in that time period women did not wear blush and emphasized a pale complexion, dark mascara and really emphasized the lips.
Straight-waisted dresses, feathers and headpieces were also popular and can be as simple as adding a few feathers to a headband. Men, she said, can wear a button-up shirt, suspenders and a fedora.
“Those types of hats are available at shops like Tiger Alley in Penticton or there are lots of costume shops in the Okanagan that might help create the flapper girl look,” said Dunlop.
The fundraiser takes place on Saturday, Jan. 25. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $30 with all proceeds going to the SS Sicamous.
Follow Facebook.com/sssicamous for more ideas on creating a costume.
