NHS schedules prom night at Baqara Coliseum

Some semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy is coming back to Newton High School.

Prom night makes its return in 2021 after last year’s formal dance — along with all classes, sports, activities and just about everything else — was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Although the pandemic is still very much apart of students’ lives, the prom venue offers ample space for social distancing.

Newton High School’s prom will be held 7-11 p.m. April 10 at Baqara Coliseum.

Mindi Walker, administrative assistant at the high school, said parents who organize the after-prom activities came up with the idea to use Baqara, which is located on the 1600 block of First Avenue West in Newton.

“It’s going to be really good for the kids since they couldn’t have anything last year,” Walker said. “They’re excited that we can have it.”

Students will enter from the south end of Baqara, announce and walk down the sidewalk to the dance. Friends and relatives are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs to set up outside near the back patio and grassy area near the east.

If weather is bad, Baqara said in its event details blurb on Facebook the promenade entry will be canceled and students will only enter through the north main entrance into the dance area.

Refreshments and snacks will be supplied to prom-goers. John Lee Photography will provide photos and a backdrop for staged shots.

The after-prom will be held 11:30 p.m.-2 a.m. at the high school where students can enjoy entertainment from a hypnotist and partake in carnival-style activities and games. Walker said organizers also reserved a photo booth.

Prom will be the first dance organized for Newton’s high schoolers during the 2020-2021 school year.

Walker said any activity occurring indoors will require students to wear masks.

“It should be a fun time for the kids and kind of (feel like) getting back to normal,” Walker said. “We’re definitely ready to get back to normal. And if we have to wear masks to get back to normal, we’re OK with it. We want the kids to have fun and have a dance, because they haven’t had a dance all year.”

Baqara is also hosting a tux fitting and flower event 4-7 p.m. March 21-22. Free shoes will be included with tux rentals. Baqara is also offering corsages and bouts to be ordered together for $30. Both are custom made to match outfits.

Tickets are on sale now for $15 online at www.go.tikly.co/e/197 or can be cash purchased April 7-9 at Newton High School.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com