BUTLER TWP — Brides and batons, prom dresses and pole vaulting — they just don't go together.

They do now.

The Butler High School track and field program is hosting a Bridal & Prom Show Nov. 19 as a fundraiser for the organization. The show will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Intermediate High School.

The idea is courtesy of Lori Schaffner, a friend of Golden Tornado track coach John Williams.

“I've helped the baseball and football teams with fundraisers before and thought the track team would be perfect for a bridal and prom show, since the team consists of boys and girls,” Schaffner said.

“Some of the guys on the team are dressing in suits, some of the girls in prom dresses, to welcome the guests. This will be a first-class affair.”

The show will feature a fashion show — with female track team members participating — of bridal and prom gowns, demonstrations on how to dance at one's wedding, a friendly cake competition, a table where brides can see ideas for decorations and favors for their wedding, a traditional Pennsylvania cookie table, etc.

“Our kids have really taken to this,” Williams said. “Our track and field athletes generally have great grades, are diverse, hard-working kids.

“About 25 of our kids will be directly involved with the show.”

While there is no admission fee to the show itself, a $5 donation will be asked of anyone entering the cookie/drink/cake section of the event.

Each vendor is paying a fee to be represented at the show and Schaffner said approximately 30 have signed up.

“We have at least 35 brides signed up and close to 200 tickets taken already,” she said. “We're anticipating a few more.

“Hopefully, this becomes an annual fundraiser for the track program. That's the goal. It's hard to say hows much money this first show will generate for the team, but there is potential for thousands of dollars down the road.”

Williams said funds are needed for track and field essentials such as pole vault and high jump pits, hurdles, training equipment, coaching videos, weights, etc.

“Ours is a big-time program,” Williams said. “It takes a lot to maintain that, including senior awards and things.

“A pole vault pit costs a good $15,000, as an example. Fundraising is critical to us and this a unique one. When Lori presented the idea, we just ran with it.”

A bridal flea market will be part of the day as well. The vo-tech is making benches with sayings — what brides now use in place of sign-in books — and two corn hole games to be raffled off as part of the fundraiser.

“Hair stylists and make-up artists will be on hand ... everything needed to plan a wedding or prepare for the prom,” Schaffner said. “Bridal shows are usually an expense and people go to them. The school serves as a cheaper venue, costs are down overall and the show benefits a local team. It's a win-win.”

Tickets are available at http://shesaidyesbridalshow.wix.com/mysite.