Prom still a highly anticipated event for students
FENELTON — Before heading to the Butler Country Club Friday night, Karns City High School students gathered together inside a barn.
The Barn at Ever Thine not only provided shelter from the rain that drenched the day, it also provided a venue for the students to take photos before going to prom.
Braeden Rodgers, a senior at Karns City, said the rain put somewhat of a damper on the day, but it wouldn’t spoil the allure of the final dance of his high school life.
“Prom is more fun than homecoming,” he said. “It’s a nicer venue, everyone is more excited.”
Dave Paule, one of the owners of The Barn at Ever Thine, said the venue, which hosts many weddings, bridal showers and formal events, also opens up for prom photos when available.
He said a few years ago the barn hosted about 100 couples plus their parents and family members before prom, and this year was shaping up to have similar attendance. Paule said the rustic look of the barn and the field makes the place good for taking photos.
“The grounds here are beautiful, there are a lot of good spots for photos,” Paule said. “The appeal is that it’s an indoor and outdoor venue, so everyone could hide from the rain.”
Students rushed from their cars to the barn in their dresses, suits and corsages to avoid getting too wet before the dance. Many of the students arrived with their parents and friends in personal vehicles, with a few prom-goers filling each car.
Jessica Dunn, a junior, said that although limos and party buses were popular in the past, she thinks more people wanted to go in smaller groups.
“No one is going in big groups this year, there’s no limos or anything,” she said. “It’s mostly couples going with their other friends.”
Despite the change in transportation, Dunn said she thinks the style for prom has been pretty consistent for many years, with many people preferring to wear long dresses and high-heel shoes.
One stylistic change was evident in Dunn’s date, senior Aaron Beabout, whose sparkly, silver shoes were just one example of a striking visual trend.
“Sparkles are definitely a trend this year,” Dunn said.
Rodgers also wore a sparkling blue suit, which complimented the dress of his date, senior Zoe King.
Rodgers and King went with a group of friends they know through playing softball and baseball, further proving Dunn’s hypothesis.
King said this year’s prom differed from last year’s, when it was held outside. She was happy to attend in person for her final year of high school.
“It’s similar but it’s inside this year,” she said. “Absolutely I’m excited for it.”
