Pre-prom event will fund post-prom

PROM

SPECTACULAR

When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, doors will open at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Topeka High School auditorium, 800 S.W. 10th

What: Prom fashions, hairstyles, etiquette tips, entertainment and giveaways

Cost: $5 per person, open to area high school students, parents, prom sponsors and local prom vendors

Contact: Michelle Durkes, 235-9483; Joan Barker, 295-3200; or Paul Shafer, 271-5008

By Ann Marie Bush

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Area high school students and their parents will get the chance to view vintage and current prom fashions and hairstyles, as well as learn prom etiquette tips and win prizes.

The Prom Spectacular will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at Topeka High School's auditorium. The event --- sponsored by Topeka High School Post Prom Committee, Livingston's Tuxedo and Bridal Gallery, Dillard's Department Store and Vintage Van --- will raise money for Topeka High's post-prom party. Admission to the event is $5 per person.

"We were trying to think of some new and inventive ways to raise money for after-prom," said Michelle Durkes, chairwoman for Topeka High School Post Prom Committee.

Prom Spectacular will feature skits, musical entertainment, prom etiquette tips, giveaways and Topeka High students who will model formal and tuxedo fashions from Dillard's, Livingston's and Vintage Van, a Lawrence shop that is owned by a Topekan.

"We are very excited to be a part of this," said Paul Shafer, owner of Livingston's. "I think it's the first time in many years that this has been done. I'm kind of excited to see something like this restarted in Topeka."

Giveaways for high school students include prom clothing and accessories and restaurant gift certificates. There will be a separate drawing for parents, which will be a night's stay at a local bed and breakfast.

Booths representing local merchants, such as florists and hairstylists, will display products and services.

The event is open to all are high school students, parents, prom sponsors and local prom-related vendors, Durkes said.

"We just hope it's going to be a fun day," she said. "The kids are really excited about being a part of it. I'd like to see this become an annual event."

Durkes encouraged other post-prom committees from area high schools to attend to see how the event goes. She said she would be happy to see Prom Spectacular rotate from school to school.

"It could be an annual event the whole town gets behind," Durkes said.

Post-prom activities at Topeka High usually cost about $20,000, Durkes said, so fund raising is key. In past years, post prom has taken place at Topeka Performing Arts Center but because of scheduling conflicts, activities will take place at Topeka High. The theme for this year's post-prom is "After Prom 2005, Your Passport to the World."

Prom at Topeka High is May 7, and post-prom activities will begin at midnight and end at 4 a.m. May 8.

"It (post-prom) is so kids will have a great experience after prom and won't have to go out," said Joan Barker, who is in charge of publicity for Prom Spectacular.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Refreshments will be available during intermission.

"It's going to be a little mix of fun, entertainment and fashion," Durkes said.

Ann Bush can be reached at

(785) 295-1207 or ann.bush@cjonline.com.

Copyright 2005
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