Reunion to mark ball’s milestone
Dancers will be pulling out their best old outfits to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lower Kalgan’s debutante ball.
The Lower Kalgan Community Association runs a ball each year, with this one being extra special as it marks half a century since the event was first held.
Organisers hope to get as many attendees of the inaugural event to show up to the Wildflower Ball in the hope of recreating a photo taken in 1969.
Krys McKinnon was at the original debutante ball all those years ago and has been helping organise it ever since.
She said Saturday night was an anniversary and a reunion rolled into one.
“We are trying to chase up everyone from the photo we took at the first ball to recreate it, but we understand people have moved on,” she said.
“We have a ball every year, but this year is special because of the 50th anniversary.
“I’m wearing the same dress and there are a number of people like me who went to the first ball and will be there on Saturday night.”
A debutante ball is a centuries-old concept whereby young women from UK high society were “presented” for the first time.
They were originally presented to the monarch in a ceremony that marked them as of marriageable age.
In Australia, debutante balls or “debs” became a chance for young men and women to practice formal social etiquette and dancing — and possibly meet someone special.
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