DOWAGIAC — Friday afternoon, smiling couples dressed in formal wear stood in line to have photos taken in front of a fabric backdrop, living out the perfect prom fantasy of nearly every high schooler.

However, the attendants of this particular prom were not fresh-faced teenagers, but instead senior citizens getting a second chance at their dream dance.

The Timbers of Cass County hosted a senior prom Friday afternoon at their facility in Dowagiac. Friday marked the fourth annual senior prom, which is meant to be a fun event for residents of the facility, said Cheri Nowicki, one of the event organizers. Community members donated to the Timbers of Cass County in order to make the event possible.

“This is just a great event that our residents really look forward to,” Nowicki said. “It is something for [the residents] to relive their youth. Some of them never even went to their senior prom, so this is something for them to have for the first time ever.”

Another of the organizers, Debbie Tumbleson, said the idea to host a senior prom came from a desire to host an event that allowed the facility residents to dress up and have a special day.

“[The residents] really enjoy having a reason to get done up and do something special,” Tumbleson said. “And they really enjoy [the prom]. It is all some of them can talk about for days afterwards.”

The residents who attended the event said they appreciated the Timbers of Cass County hosting the prom. For many, the event served as the first prom they had ever been to as they had to miss their high school proms for various reasons.

Robert Wojcicki, 64, and Teresa Latislaw, 56, described themselves as “sweethearts” who met at the Timbers of Cass County. Neither had been to a prom before coming to the facility. The pair were the first to hit the dance floor Friday, saying they enjoyed every second they spent at the event.

“It’s very nice to have this here,” Latislaw said.

Married couple Kim, 63, and Al Wolf, 66, also enjoyed their first prom together at Friday’s event. Al, who was unable to attend his high school prom due to serving in the Vietnam War, said that he jumped at the opportunity to attend a prom-like event with someone he loved.

“This is just really cool,” Al said. “I’m really glad that they hold events like this here. … I’m glad just to be here with [Kim], and listen to the music.”

Nowicki said she was glad that the residents and their guests were enjoying the event.

“We love to see the smiles on everyone’s faces,” she said. “That is what makes it worth it to us.”