Derek Wall
A&E Editor
Chris Roy (aka DJ Luv) has spent a great deal of time and energy bringing The People’s Prom to thankful dancers over the years. In fact, The People’s Prom is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Originally started in Vancouver, The People’s Prom moved to Thunder Bay in 2007, soon after Roy relocated.
The idea behind the prom started when Roy and two close friends were heavily into the activist scene in Vancouver. Although passionate about taking part in political action, funds were short, so the notion of The People’s Fund (and an annual prom for funding) was born.
“The idea was to be another spin on Valentines Day,” stated Roy over the phone, “We thought it would be a lot more fun and less pressure for people.”
Since the 10 years from its inception, the People’s Prom has been held for the past 10 years in Vancouver, once in Toronto, and this will be its 3rd year being held in Thunder Bay.
The theme this year is space oriented. The title of the event this year is Battlestar Promtastica.
Alongside DJ Luv, JAFO and Fabulous Dave will be playing DJ sets geared to match the space theme.
Without giving away too much information, Roy informed The Argus that some new fancy lights have been purchased to help the theme of the party, “People will be wowed when they come in.”
Long time patrons of the prom will find a change of events in terms of the dance competitions. The traditional “best and worst dance” awards have been replaced with a category for best dancer and one for “the best robot dance.” Roy assured The Argus that, “There will be trophies.”
Other traditional People’s Prom features will be included. There will be a kissing booth, a photo area present, a balloon drop, and a prom King and Queen crowning will also be taking place.
The proceeds of the prom will be distributed to the Student Food Bank and Lakehead University’s Radio station, 102.7fm. Roy commented, “it seems that the [food bank] shelves get bare this time of year.”
Also, instead of asking for canned goods and loading the shelves with no name brand canned goods, helpers of the prom will head down to the grocery store and buy more useful and organic goods.
Roy is also encouraging those to buy their tickets sooner than later. At a cost of only $10, the tickets have been known to sell out in the past. Roy is doing all he can to ensure that there will be tickets at the door but it is better to be safe than sorry. Tickets are available in advance at Calico’s Coffee shop, The Loop, and The Growing Season.