The 2017 junior-senior prom will take place on April 29 from 7-11 p.m. at the Crest Center in West Asheville.

The theme for the prom is “Once Upon a Time.”

Tickets can be purchased a month in advance and the cost will be $50, depending on the number of people planning to attend, a number expected to be 450 to 500. More information will be available closer to the date.

The prom committee came up with the theme “Once Upon a Time.”

“They wanted it to be Willy Wonka-ish, but not call it Willy Wonka, so it’s Once Upon A Time. It incorporates a lot of the themes from Willy Wonka. It’s going to be very whimsical,” junior class sponsor Teresa Davis said. “Our prom is so different because it’s what the juniors think the seniors are going to want to see. They thought the seniors were more playful and wanted a more colorful prom, so they create things based on the needs and desires of the upperclassmen. There’s a lot more thought to it.”

Along with the amenities of prior proms, this year’s is going to have details that incorporate a whimsical touch to every aspect of the event. For example, there is going to be a chocolate fountain and a specially-designed photo booth with props. Professional photography will also be available.

Food will be served and is included in ticket price.

“We will have chicken tenders with a variety of sauces, baked artichoke cheese dip with homemade pita chips, a cheese board tray, a fruit tray and chocolate covered strawberries,” Davis said. “Nobody even needs to go and eat. You’re going to be too full to dance if you eat anyway so just come to eat at the prom.”

There’s even going to be specially made “mocktails,”  or nonalcoholic cocktails designed by members of the junior prom committee.

Junior Emily Leon is serving on the prom committee.

“It’s stressful planning for prom because everyone has their own opinions and you have to compromise,” she said.

By: Nathan Turpin