Few events are more anticipated, better planned, orchestrated, and arranged. There are dresses to shop for and buy, shoes to select, tuxedoes to order, flowers to ponder over and purchase, decisions made concerning the meal, transportation arranged, photo sessions organized.

This. Is. Serious. Business.

It’s prom.

All that doesn’t even count the actual day of the event. There are photo to be taken at parents’ houses and the homes of grandparents, photos at school by veteran prom photographer Joe Craig. Some teens even have “location” pictures around town – near the railroad tracks, the depot, old buildings.

All in anticipation of the evening. It’s a springtime tradition that is an important rite of passage for teenagers – and their family and friends.

Dexter’s annual Prom was held Saturday evening at the high school, beginning with the Grand March and the presentation of the couples. Family and friends packed the DHS Auditorium for the Grand March. Couples were introduced and promenaded across the stage.

Traditionally, the prom is the most formal dance of the school year, with girls wearing short cocktail dresses or floor-length gowns with shoes and accessories to match. Bright colors (orange seemed to be a favorite) and sleek black gowns, and the “front-back” look all were popular for the girls.

For the guys – everything from western styled tuxedos and cowboy hats, to tuxedos that coordinated with the date’s dress, to top hats and canes were popular Saturday evening.

The theme for the DHS Prom this year was “Enchantment Under the Sea” with nautical decorations in the auditorum, gym, and even in the cafeteria. Refreshment tables in the cafeteria were loaded with treats made by moms helping this year.

Following the Grand March presentations, parents and friends were allowed into the transformed gym for another round of photo-taking and to see the decorations. But once the music began for the dance, it was very clear that the time for family had come to the end and it was time for the prom revelry to begin.

Photo Above: Erika Mouser and Josh Overall pose near the boat in the center of the dance floor at Saturday's Prom at Dexter High School. (ShowMe Times photo by Annabeth Miller)

ShowMe Time Photo Gallery

Dexter High School Prom,  April 21, 2012