Hartsburg-Emden Prom 'Somewhere over the rainbow'

[April 23, 2018]  While there were no storm clouds in sight and the evening was a lovely calm 60 degrees, the Hartsburg-Emden Prom goers carried on with 'Somewhere over the rainbow' as their theme this past Saturday evening of April 21st.

The special once-a-year evening-ware, corsage or boutonniere, pull out all the stops, classy event began with the traditional Grand March at 4:45 p.m.

In front of a large crowd of family and friends, couples and friend-pairs were announced, and then in high-style stepped into the spotlight in the center of the darkened Hartsburg gymnasium.

Once the Hartem Grand March was over and the limelight jitters were out of the way, everyone relaxed and the crowd mixed as friends sought friends and families visited, complimenting the young adults on all their finery.

Traditionally following this family oriented opening of the evening, prom goers head over to the Emden Community House, which has been decorated in theme for dinner and dancing, and then later go to the Emden Grade School for post-prom fun things to do.

This year a much different plan was in place. The dinner and dancing portion of prom and after-prom events were held in Peoria.

Two stretch limousines were brought in to transport prom goers, and friends grouped off filling the two cars for the special trip to Peoria.

This year's Hartem Prom Dinner/Dance was held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the Spirit of Peoria. Given the 'Somewhere over the rainbow' theme, decorations were in the colors of rainbow.

For post-prom fun from 12 a.m. - 3 a.m. the group headed over to Elevate Trampoline Park in Peoria.

Concluding the festivities, it was back to the high school for Prize Giveaways.

This year's prom sponsors were Jennifer Hayes and Calob Pluhm.

Hayley Matson, Madison Farris, Alex Eads, and Alex Vetter

Prom Royalty was crowned with Madison Farris and Alex Eads selected to represent the Junior Class and Hayley Matson and Alex Vetter crowned the Senior Prom Queen and King.


The Senior Class of 2018 sponsor is Tony Ziemba. Jennifer Hayes is the Junior Class of 2019 sponsor.

[LDN]