The SS Sicamous is ready to beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.
The Great Gatsby Party at the SS Sicamous is set to take party-goers back to a time when boats were the best way to travel up and down the Okanagan to benefit the SS Sicamous Marine Heritage Society.
“The boat was travelling on the lake in the 1920s so we can help re-create the atmosphere that was happening back then,” said Jessie Dunlop, assistant manager of the SS Sicamous.
March 12 marks the first Great Gatsby Party on the Sicamous since the inaugural event held in 2014. The society is hoping to make the event an annual one.
“The SS Sicamous is a really fun venue and we wanted to host a party that would really appeal to people and help to bring the community on board the boat,” Dunlop said. “I think the 1920s has got a really big appeal, especially since the Great Gatsby movie came out, and I think it’s a theme that people really get excited about.”
It’s a theme that is not just visually appealing, but has a link to the history of the stern-wheeler.
“It’s an opportunity to pretend you’re back in the past. It’s fun because you can imagine for a bit that you’re not in the modern day, you can really get in the mood,” said Dunlop.
Attendees are encouraged to wear era-appropriate costumes and DJ Tenacious T (Tim Tweed) is going to play vintage music to start the night, breaking out the electro-swing later in the evening.
For the first time Allan Clarke is going to be on hand for swing dance lessons. Beginner swing dancing lessons will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.
“People are going to be able to actually have a go at doing the dances and practicing and then the party itself is going to get in full swing, so they will be able to practice their moves and really recreate the atmosphere,” Dunlop said.
Local musician Yanti is set to play vintage tunes in costume to add to the mood as well, and locally brewed beers from Cannery Brewing will be available.
There are also going to be prizes for the best costume and best swing dancers.
Tickets are $30 and include one drink. Tickets will not be available at the door, and are available at www.eventbrite.com or in person at Cannery Brewing (198 Ellis St.).
The SS Sicamous is a heritage site, museum and wedding venue. It is the largest surviving stern-wheeler in B.C. and is open to the public during the summer months.