Parent-Teacher-Student Organization President Linda Bye said the average price for a prom dress in downtown Saratoga is about $300. Factor in hair, nails, shoes and other prom night essentials and the evening can easily cost $500 or more.

To help out high school students with limited financial resources, Bye and PTSO Vice President Peggy Connolly created the Pre-Prom Fashion Show.

The first-time event, which is sponsored by the PTSO, will take place on Friday, March 14 in the Meade Auditorium at Saratoga Springs High School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the affair begins at 7 p.m.

The show’s theme is “Past, Present and Future,” and Bye said they will feature about a dozen vintage outfits from the 1950s through the 1980s. Over the course of the evening, high school students in various grades will model roughly 50 different styles for guys and girls.

“It should be a fun event. The kids will look fantastic all dressed up,” Bye said.

Bird of Paradise, Danielle’s Bridal Boutique, Lily Saratoga, Rockabella, S & K Menswear, Saratoga Hospital Guild Thrift Shop, Saratoga Trunk and The Shoppe will provide the outfits highlighted in the Pre-Prom Fashion Show. Brooklyn Attitude Hair & Body will handle the night’s hair styles.

“I’m excited to be a part of this,” said Jackie Szurek, owner of Rockabella. “I think it’s a great way to support a great cause. It’s a fun event to kick off prom season.”

Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students. Proceeds from the fashion show will benefit the Lend-a-Hand Program for local students.

The Meade Auditorium holds approximately 350 people, and Bye said she’d love to sell all the seats. Her hope is to raise a substantial amount of money, so the Lend-a-Hand Program can do bigger and better things in the future.

Donations of cleaned, gently used prom attire are needed for students who might otherwise have a difficult time affording dresses to wear to the prom. Dresses can be dropped off at the Saratoga Hospital Guild Thrift Shop, located at 238 Church Street, across from the Saratoga Hospital.

Bye said they’ve already received a dozen dresses, one of which was donated by Marylou Whitney. Any high school student can call the thrift shop at 583-9798 and make a private appointment.

“This is a great way to support the community,” Bye said. “I think this gives any girl the chance to attend the prom regardless of her financial situation.”

For more information about the Pre-Prom Fashion Show, call Bye at 577-2439, or Connolly at 577-8256. Wednesday, March 19 has already been set aside as the snow date in case there is inclement weather Friday night.