The 2016 Prom at the Flanders Hotel was a huge success.
It was truly a night – and an early morning to remember.
Ocean City High School’s Junior-Senior Prom and After Prom went off without a hitch as more than 600 students made memories for a lifetime.
The Prom took place at the historic Flanders Hotel and featured a glamorous red carpet entrance for each of the couples. There was even a “couple plus one” and judging by the smiles of the students and in the spectators’ gallery, three was not a crowd.
More than 300 couples lined up outside the ornate Ocean City landmark hotel and made the grand entrance. The weather, cold, blustery and rainy most of the day, improved dramatically in the late afternoon and for the 7 p.m. entrance.
Once inside, the Prom-goers were treated to the Flanders’ grand ballroom atmosphere, a sumptuous meal, live music and dancing.
At 11 p.m., as the Prom finally wound down, the evening was just beginning. Buses and limos carried most of the attendees to the After Prom at the High School.
The entire East Wing of the building was transformed into a beautifully-decorated tribute to Ocean City’s history. Co-coordinators Amy and Bill Holmes and Charlie and Jennifer Bowman were overseers of a spectacular event. Both couples are lifelong Ocean City residents whose parents grew up here as well.
“The town gives so much to so many that we felt we should pay tribute,” Amy said.
Other committee mainstays included Bill Heap (decorating), Sara Lee (games), Travis Ward (props) and fundraisers David Gilhooley, Melissa Ward, Fabiana Hackett, Lisa Kelly and Luisa Flemming . Troy David was the music coordinator.
The committee also wished to thank the numerous area businesses that contributed to After Prom. They included Paris Produce, Mazzeo and Tuckahoe Inn, fruit and vegetables; 4th St. Café Monkey Bread, Wards, Dots, Mallons Cathy’s Bakery, Philly Pretzel, desserts; George’s, Yoasis, Shrivers, Johnson’s Popcorn, Rauhauser’s James’ Candy, and Gillian’s candy; PC Coffee Co., Blvd, Circle, beverages.
Caroline Bowman, Trish Handshaw and Kathy Thompson were “runners” who picked up donated items.
There were also numerous volunteers who helped in the kitchen and throughout the school, Amy Holmes said.
“We never could have done it without the great response from the volunteers, the businesses and the community,” she added.
“It is gratifying to provide a fun night for these kids absent of the many temptations they frequently are faced with.”
