Prom: Rewritten - The Heart of Delmarva

April 6, 2021

In 2020, the height of COVID-19 was during what normally is prime prom season. This put a damper on an ordinarily memorable time for many seniors around the region who sadly didn’t get to experience the prom they dreamed of. 

Maria Demetriou, fondly known as “The Dress Doctor” at Downtown Bridal (Salisbury, Md.), has been involved in the bridal/formalwear industry for many years. Special events have always held a dear place in her heart. Maria, along with a few business connections, tried to put together a prom last year, but unfortunately due to restrictions, the attempt was unsuccessful.

As 2021 seniors are looking to experience the same fate of no prom, Maria set out once again to formulate a plan. In her endeavors, a friend told her to check out Kylan Barn as a potential location. She met with owner Kyle Hughes and their creative minds began churning … and a brilliant idea was born!

The 2021 Regional Prom will be held on May 10th, 11th, and 12th at Kylan Barn in Mardela Springs, Md. The prom is for all Delmarva seniors graduating in 2021 and those that graduated in 2020. Each night has two shifts - 4pm to 7pm and 8pm to 11pm. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis (with a limit of 900 attendees, and a maximum age of 20). For tickets and additional terms and conditions, visit www.achangeofevents.com.

I asked Maria what the theme was going to be … and it made me want to pretend I was a high school senior all over again! Proms can often have a stigma of being “boring” or “traditional”. Maria and Kyle wanted to make it fun and exciting, with activities being a must! They wanted to give the seniors something to do to make this prom memorable. They started sharp shooting ideas around. Soon, the movie “The Greatest Showman” came into the discussion. They both LOVED the creativity and joy behind the carnival/circus theme. So, they decided to “rewrite" the idea of prom and alas, the elegant carnival theme was born. (If you’ve seen The Greatest Showman, you’ll understand the pun. If you’ve not seen it, see it!)

You’re A Winner!

Think back to the last time you visited a carnival. With this event, all your favorite games will be there. A cake walk (yum!), Chinese auction, toilet paper toss, giant Jenga, and more! “This event is about the Community coming together, and giving the kids a sense of hope in the times we are in,” says Maria. 

There will be music, dancing, a Grand March and a photographer onsite for formal portraits. Each attendee will also receive a swag bag of goodies before the night is complete. (They are looking for in-kind donations of items to include.)

Step Right Up!

Maria encourages the community to get involved! This event is complex and labor-intensive and needs all hands on deck. Donations, volunteers and sponsorships are needed. In-kind donations such as bottled water, giveaways, swag bag items, and prizes are needed. 

They need manpower to help reach out to donors and volunteers, people to run the booths, parking lot helpers, check-in staff, and more. The event is partially outdoors so there is a large cost involved for tenting. They are looking for 30-35 volunteers each night for booths, chaperoning, and monitoring of the event areas.

Your Support Is Needed!

Any donations, both monetary and in-kind, are welcomed. Sponsorships begin at $250. Sponsorships valued over $500 will be interviewed and their logo showcased during the event, on social media and the website. Sponsors have the option of being the subject of an educational seminar hosted by the organization (inquire for details).

Student Scholarships!

There are two scholarships available through the organization. A King and Queen will be chosen and a $500 scholarship is given to each. Applicants must submit a creative, original video stating why they love the Eastern Shore, how they participate in their community, and their plans for the future. Further details are available on their website.

In the midst of organizing a prom for Delmarva seniors, Maria and Kyle formed a not-for-profit organization called A Change of Events. This prom is the first event for this newly created venture and is just the beginning of other events, concerts, and classes!

“This prom is going to be fun! Like nothing they’ve seen before,” says Maria.

Even if schools decide to hold a prom, students are encouraged to come and have fun. THANK YOU to Maria and Kyle, and all involved, for organizing this senior spectacle which is sure to be the “greatest prom anyone has ever seen!”