Expectations for Bayfield High School's after prom party were set high last Saturday night at the Sky Ute Casino Resort due to the unforgettable prom that was held right before. The decorations, music, and turnout helped make prom a memorable night. More than 120 students showed up to the prom ready to dance. After midnight, a few decided to turn in for the night. However, more than 100 stayed and were geared up for the after-prom celebration.
The after-prom party was held at the casino as well, utilizing both the bowling alley and event center. Kids bowled from midnight to 1 a.m., then made their way over to the event center for games, food, and prizes until 3 a.m. Activities included a table tennis tournament, Foosball, dodge ball, a gigantic Twister game, a massive blow-up obstacle course, and even a boxing ring. These games helped keep the kids entertained between raffling off an unbelievable amount of prizes. Prizes included an array of gift cards and items from local businesses and restaurants. Towards the end of the after-prom party, the most coveted prizes were raffled off. These included a 32-inch flat screen TV, an IPod Touch, Beats Studio headphones, memberships to Crossfit Bayfield, zip lining certificates, and much more, all with a value of more than $150 each. After the raffle, worn-out promgoers filed through the doors to head home after an amazing night.
The prom itself is sponsored by the school, with the bulk of the funding coming from the sale of tickets to the event. The after-prom party is paid for by donations from local businesses and families. Without the support of our community, this event would not have been possible. The after-prom party is a safe environment in which students who are not ready for the evening to end can have fun and good times with friends.
One of many organizations that supported the event was the Pine River Rotary Club, which donated funds to both the Bayfield and Ignacio after-prom events. Ignacio's prom is set for Saturday, April 26.
"We are an organization that can participate in local, regional, or even international community service," said Carole McWilliams, president of the Rotary Club. "As a smaller organization, the Rotary Club focuses primarily on local community service activities. Providing safety for the youth of the community is one way to give back, and donating money for the after-prom party is a good way to do so."
After-prom parties keep kids out of trouble and helps eliminate drinking and driving, the party organizers said.
