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SALT LAKE CITY — Was your prom the greatest night of your life?
Whether yes or no, you can relive or redo that magical event Saturday at the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective’s annual Bike Prom.
A benefit gala that supports the Bicycle Collective, the prom is meant to celebrate the work of the collective’s employees, volunteers and participants. But it is also a chance for anyone who loves to bike to join with like-minded cyclists, make friends and have a good time.
"Bike prom was immediately a successful event because there's nothing quite like it," said the Executive Director of the Collective, David Davis. "It's a bike event where you don't have to sweat, elaborate outfits and dresses are encouraged, and everyone gets a little silly."
Now in its fourth year, the event brings together a diverse group of people with just one thing in common — their love of bikes.
"In the bike community people don't champion everyday riding enough," Davis said. "Big fundraiser rides are often about biking marathon distances as fast as possible, but the joy of bicycles can be experienced just as well on a rickety cruiser at 10 miles per hour."
The night starts with a leisurely bike ride through downtown Salt Lake City. All ages are encouraged to participate, as the ride is slow and will stop several times for dance breaks. The party then moves to a 21-plus dance with food and drinks for everyone. There will even be a photographer, Anna Day, on hand to document the memories.
Participants are encouraged to dress in their formal best — be that a new gown or your old tux. Bikes can also be decorated.
The Bicycle Collective is an organization that promotes bicycle transportation — especially for children and low-income families. Besides Bike Prom, it has an Earn-A-Bike program where kids learn the basics of bike safety and maintenance and earn a bike of their own to take home.
Tickets for Bike Prom are $20 per person online, $25 per person at the door.
6:30-8 p.m. — Slow pre-prom bike ride
(Meet at northeast corner of Liberty Park at 6 p.m.)
8 p.m.-midnight — Dance
(Bar will close at 11 p.m., hors d'oeuvres served at 11:30 p.m.)
