Proms make a comeback thanks to easing of COVID restrictions

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-Proms are back, at least for graduating seniors.

Thanks to COVID-19 cases declining and vaccines local schools are scrambling to give their seniors proms to remember.

Mission Tuxedos in Santa Barbara is busy taking calls, and fitting young men for their proms.

"It's exciting you know, we have been down for almost 14 months, and so it's great to get back in the saddle during prom, there is nothing like prom, there is just a lot of business at one time and it is great to see that they are able to do their thing and just have fun," said Mission Tuxedos owner John Murray.

Jennifer Mlodzik brought her son Tanner to pick out a tux for his Santa Ynez High School prom.

He chose a classic black and white tuxedo with a bowtie and vest.

Murray called it the most popular choice. His business rents suits, too.

Many of their dates are busy buying or borrowing dresses. Some of them prefer buying dresses online but they often have to pay extra to make sure they arrive on time.

Tanner is getting his date a white corsage that will go with a matching boutonniere.

"We both have to work that day, I'll get off work, change and go pick her up and then we will go to the dance.

San Marcos High School is hosting its prom in the school quad on Memorial Day.

"We are very excited to host our seniors for prom on May 31, and be able to host them in maybe an untraditional prom, but one that is a lot of fun. To be able to offer the senior class things like prom, graduation and all the senior week events is a really nice way to end such a weird last two school years, so we are looking forward to hosting our seniors for some fun," said San Marcos High Assistant Principal Analese Alvarez.

They will be holding prom on campus.

"Were going to transform our quad into a fun-filled activity night, with casino games, and arcade games, and a silent disco and it is going to be a lot of fun to celebrate with these seniors the end of their senior year."

Dos Pueblos High School is holding its prom outdoors at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum this Saturday.

Santa Barbara High School held its prom on its new field over the weekend. SBHS Principal Elise Simmons said she asked the young women not to wear heels. She said there are lots of photos on the official school Facebook page.

There is also video showing them lines dancing rather than dancing close due to COVID guidelines.

The school staff worked quickly to make it memorable. They had balloons, a photo booth, a DJ, an arcade, a taco truck for dinner and munchies for later in the evening.

Only the first 300 seniors from the school were allowed to attend the sold out prom.

Proms usually happen earlier in the spring, but students like Tanner don't seem to mind the delay.

He is just excited to go to prom.

Jennifer Mlodzik got emotional when she saw how handsome her son looked in the tuxedo he chose to rent for the special occasion.