GARDINER — It sounds like a venue that must be seen to be believed: the GateKeepers Castle, an inn beside the Strait of Juan de Fuca, surrounded by peacocks and lavender and run by a woman called Violet McCloud.
And the castle, 960 Gardiner Beach Road, will be seen Saturday night.
McCloud, the innkeeper, is opening her gates for “Back to Prom: Enchantment Under the Sea,” a formal dance party with live music by the NoRey band. The event from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday promises prizes for best dress, best tuxedo, oldest dress and tux, best recycled prom dress, unique tux and “Most Enchanted Couple.”
Local photographer Sarah Beeson will be on the scene, offering professional prom pictures.
Tickets are $15 in advance via www.TheGateKeepersCastle.com or $25 at the gate Saturday night; more details await at 360-640-3560.
You could say Saturday’s festivity is part of McCloud’s happily-ever-after plan for the castle.
“This is the beginning of a yearlong series; I want to do an event once a month,” she said.
“This is the first encampment-under-the-sea dance. I’m trying to get people to notice this place,” formerly known as the castle at Troll Haven.
“She is doing cool things with this amazing area landmark,” added the Port Angeles-based performing artist anami Cloud.
The dance will not be underwater exactly; it will be near the strait, aka the Salish Sea, which McCloud said is about 100 yards from the castle doorstep.
The GateKeepers Castle also rents rooms to guests who enjoy a medieval motif. For details, see the website or email TheGateKeepersCastle@gmail.com.
