The Gilmer High School prom will be held Friday on Pettit Field at Huff-Mosley Memorial Stadium.
Original plans called for prom to be held at the Gilmer County Agricultural Education Center on Clear Creek Middle School’s campus, but that changed Monday morning.
“Some of our concerns with holding it at the ag center was being able to maintain some of the social distancing guidelines and putting that many kids into that small of a space,” said GHS principal Carla Foley.
“We didn’t make any decisions until today (Monday) in case the governor issued new guidelines. We wanted to go off the latest information that we’re given. What we’ve decided to do is have prom on the football field Friday night.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear a mask but it is not required. Foley is confident students will act responsibly.
“Our kids are pretty awesome and in the past we haven’t had many issues with kids being inappropriate or too close to each other,” she said. “They really just want to get together and dance and have fun.
“I think having the entire football field open is going to allow them to have that space and not all be clumped together. We hope they make good decisions.”
Prom will be held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tents will be on the field in case of inclement weather.
Pre-purchased tickets will be honored. Students who still need a ticket may purchase one for $40 at the GHS front office Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students are advised to park in the front or back lots of the Larry Walker Education Center Friday night and enter the stadium through the visitor’s entrance.
Wedge or block heels are permitted on the field, while spiked heels are not allowed. Students wearing spiked heels should plan to change into other footwear or go without shoes while on the field.
“We’re excited to see the kids and offer this opportunity to them,” Foley said. “We want them to be able to get with their friends and have fun, but most importantly, we want them to be safe.”