ABERDEEN, Mississippi (WCBI) – Prom is considered one of the most popular events for young people.

But in Aberdeen, the prom served to bring the adults in the community together.

Aberdeen Park and Recreation hosted the third annual “Pushing 50 and above ages” prom held at the Aberdeen Community Center.

Aberdeen Park and Recreation hosted its third annual prom for those over 50.

There was free food, drinks, games and dancing for all participants.

The park and recreation facility wanted to change the theme for this year.

“Every year we change the theme and the first year it was the groovy 70s. The second year it was Aloha, we called it Hawaiian Nights and tonight it’s Wild Wild West,” said Toni Reece.

Participants said events like this help bring the city of Aberdeen together.

“It’s about us coming together to get to know each other and socialize,” Carolyn Poe said. “This town is good and we’ve decided to just cultivate community, black and white. It’s not an ‘I’ or ‘me’ thing, it’s just our thing. We like to get together, dance, eat and just have a good time.”

“It feels good because it’s completely different. You can be more open and we’re older. At the last prom in school you had to do this and that. But now you can do what you want and just have fun and relax,” said Benita Hampton.

Second District City Councilwoman Rhonda Moore said attendees can have fond memories of events like the prom.

“That’s why I said come and fellowship with your elders because they might not be here next year,” Moore said. “Like this year here, we’re missing a couple of elders that aren’t with us this year. So it’s just good to come and fellowship with them and we want to make it bigger and bigger every year.”

Organizers said they would continue to host events for older generations in the Aberdeen community.

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