The average cost for prom for a guy is about $130, which is about 25 hours of work (based on minimum wage for students), not to mention the amount juniors contribute in fund-raising efforts for the dance. But a great part about the Perry-Lecompton High School prom is the event afterward — after-prom. It’s not only free, but everybody leaves with a gift.

The after-prom event started about eight years ago when parents got together and wanted something “to keep the kids off the street” said Phil Hart, father of junior Justin Hart. The theme for 2004 was “Showtime at PLHS.”

They can dance; they can sing (with the karaoke machine): From left are senior Derik Blosser, senior Casandra Williams, junior Laura Weatherford and junior Lauren Tate. They were among students attending the Perry-Lecompton High School after-prom party. Williams was crowned prom queen.

Picture this: You enter the building via a red carpet that is lined with radiant lights with a canopy overhead. Once you enter, there are two ticket booths with parents who give you tickets to win prizes at a raffle later. Next to that is a photo booth where you can dress up in zany costumes for free pictures.

The carpet continues by a table full of door prizes. A giant movie screen playing shorts by the Three Stooges is behind the table. If you follow the carpet, it leads to an area surrounded by giant popcorn boxes that encompass the perimeter of tables of food, ranging from pizza to wontons. Perpendicular to that area is the gym, which is filled with a pool table, a giant Twister board, a karaoke machine, an obstacle course, a sumo wrestling mat, a catch-the-cash game and ping-pong table.

As for the food, “when the kids come in, they are starving” said Mary Gorden, co-chairwoman of the food committee. There was plenty to eat with move-themed foods, including cotton candy, popcorn and ice cream.

It was a great way to spend the night after prom was over, ending at 3:30 a.m.

More after-prom fun

Two Perry-Lecompton High School students try sumo wrestling at the after-prom party. Carnival games and prizes were part of the festivities.

Lawrence High School threw an after-prom party for Saturday’s dance. Students played carnival games, poker and cards at LHS after prom at the Kansas Union.

“It was fun. I had a good time,” senior Martin Vertacnik said. “And good food — you can’t pass that up.”

Baldwin High School had prom at SpringHill Suites, then students went to Royal Crest Lanes, Ninth and Iowa streets, to bowl and play games

“It’s fun to get to hang with everybody you know,” sophomore Andrea Hamilton said. “The bowling’s fun because you get to be silly with friends.”

Lighting the red carpet, from left, are Ruth Amerine and Cindy Langton. They were among parents who set up Perry-Lecompton High School's after-prom party May 1.