Port Washington’s longstanding tradition of Gambol was held Friday night to bring a glowing night to the graduating seniors for the 71st year.

Gambol is Schreiber High School’s prom for graduating seniors held the day after their graduation commencement.

“The beauty of this is this isn’t just the prom, this is the community’s prom,” Schreiber parent Julie Epstein said. “This is the community giving to our seniors. It’s their gift to them.”

Epstein is a member of Port Washington’s Board of Education but was not representing the board in her volunteer work for the Gambol.

Historically, Gambol was held at Schreiber High School but today takes place at the Sands Point Preserve Castle Gould.

The theme for Gambol 2023 was “Glow,” with the castle featuring a myriad of neon lights, a rainbow-lit infinity floor and colorful photobooths. Included were food stations and beverages, a dance floor and games.

While the word gambol means to frolic and is not a synonym for the word gambling, the event also coincidentally hosted an outdoor section with gambling tables. Students played Blackjack and Texas Hold ‘Em to earn prizes throughout the night.

When they arrived students were greeted by a red carpet they could walk down while being featured on an online livestream.

About 478 students attended the event on Friday night, with over 90% participation from the graduating class.

Epstein said every student is invited to attend. While there is a fee, she said the district will waive it if it is cost-prohibitive for some students.

“We really want everyone to just celebrate that final hurrah of their senior year,” Epstein said.

She said Gambol is a yearlong pursuit of event planning and gathering of funds by the event chairs Lanie Marcus, Debbie Pinsky and Stefanie Hiller.

Gambol is supported by parent and community donations, with many local businesses contributing to the event with flowers and signs.

The event was open to the community Friday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. for community members to see the production.

Gambol has been supported by the community since 1952, a celebration not just for the graduating seniors but also for the Port Washington community.

Epstein said it is heart-warming seeing the reactions of the students walking into their Gambol, but also to see the awe of the community members and the young kids looking forward to when it will be their moment.

She said it is a longstanding tradition for the Port Washington community that makes it a generational event for all members of the community to engage in at some point in their lives.

Many community members have been integral in the production of the event over the years, including Jimmy Penrose, who has helped set it up for decades despite all his kids being out of school.

She said this is why Gambol is so important as it upholds the traditions of the community when so many are “falling by the wayside.”

“This is the one thing that you can at least say is still Port Washington,” Epstein said.