PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Boiler Room is hosting its eighth annual prom party tonight, providing people of all ages a chance to celebrate the event less traditionally than they did in high school.

“This is an alternative prom done the Boiler Room way,” said Marla Overman, manager.

“It will be a fun event for people who want to be themselves.”

Costumes are suggested but not required at the 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. party at the Boiler Room at 711 Water St.

A prize will be awarded for the zaniest get-up. Per tradition, a king and queen will be crowned.

The event features dance music by DJ Caleb and Crypto Zoo along with dancing, snacks and coffee.

The event also is free of drugs and alcohol, in line with the Boiler Room’s charter to provide a safe, legal place for kids to go.

Kitty Gibson, 21, attended her own official senior prom and has gone to a few of the Boiler Room events, which she said are a lot more fun.

“Boiler Room proms are musical and fun and whimsical,” she said.

“They are way better than my high school prom because the Boiler Room people are a lot nicer.”

Gibson doesn’t have a date for the event, but she doesn’t care.

“I’m hot, so I’m going by myself,” she said.

Overman won’t predict how many people will show for the event but thinks a lot of people of all ages will show.

“We’ve had a good response so far, and a lot of people are excited about going,” she said.

Food, coffee and prom pictures will be available.

A donation of $5 — or $3 with valid student identification — is suggested at the door, but no one will be turned away, Overman said.

“Prom pictures” will be taken and sent electronically to the participants for a donation.

In keeping with the digital times, the pictures will not be printed out.

“We are thinking that people will post them to their Facebook page,” Overman said.

The Port Townsend High School prom takes place at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at the Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St.

For more information, phone 360-369-8247.

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.