Young people from the Memphis area and the region can vie for a chance to model fashion or to compete in dancing and singing at the Prom Show Expo March 4.
The trade show, set for noon to 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 2490 Mt. Moriah, targets prom, graduation and career planning. It includes a prom fashion show, stepdancing and general dancing show, and talent competition, vendor booths and information on a host of subjects that pertain to kids. Students, parents and school professionals are invited to attend.
The first such show was held in March 2006, said producer Telisa Franklin, an event planner and owner of That's Love Florist. But this event will be larger and more inclusive.
"Last year we put it together in a couple of months. I had a vision for years and I wanted to see if kids would be interested," said Franklin. About 250 participated last year "and they were very excited. We had no funds for marketing. It was all by word of mouth and flyers at ball games," she said.
"We hope to have many more high schools and middle schools participating. We want to give kids knowledge and advice on prom shopping, party planning, graduation and careers and college options."
This year the expo sent letters to Memphis City Schools and to school officials in Shelby County and the region. The event is being talked about on WQOX-FM 88.5, the city schools' radio station.
Vendors will offer money-saving options for prom and graduation attire and travel as well as college and career options. And there will be voter registration.
Kids will hear about a prom night safe haven program, where local businesses will stay open late to harbor kids who get into unpredictable situations until their parents or authorities arrive.
Students can visit the Web site promshowexpo.com to do an initial signup for the shows and competitions. They can also upload their senior photos; register their school's prom night date and location information; and download a prom checklist.
Tickets to the event are $10 a person with group discounts for 10 or more and are available through the Web site promshowexpo.com.
Model and talent tryouts are open to guys and girls from grades 8 through 12 who attend school in the Memphis area and the region, including West Memphis and DeSoto County.
No more than two students will be chosen from each school.
Registration for model tryouts will be Feb. 3 at noon at Panda Models and Talent at Hickory Ridge Mall. Tryouts will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tryouts for step dancing team competition and talent will be March 1 at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 2490 Mt. Moriah. Competition will be limited to 8 dance teams, 8 step teams and 8 talent teams. Individuals may also compete. There will be cash prizes, merchandise and trophies.
Models will wear prom fashions from Unique Boutique & Bridal, David's Bridal, After Hours, American Tuxedo and other stores.
Kids shouldn't wait until the last minute to grab a prom outfit, said Franklin. "I want for young people to see there are tasteful fashion options ... and be wise in their spending."