For the past 15 years, the parents of Parkland High School have provided prom-goers with a safe and fun post-prom party.

This year’s party themed “Fire and Ice” was no exception, as hundreds of students continued their prom experience within the halls of their soon-to-be alma mater, Parkland High School.

The post-prom party committee begins meeting in October to prepare for the event, which has become so successful and highly-anticipated among students it has now become synonymous with the prom itself.

The bash, which begins at 11:30 p.m. and goes until the early morning hours, includes an itinerary of activities including a coffee house, live music, disc jockey, food, desserts, fun-tography, hypnotist, roaming magician, money cage and a favorite, karaoke.

The hallways are filled with carnival games, temporary tattoo and caricature artists, and of course, a bunch of kids wearing hats and celebrating their final days of high school.

Downstairs in the gym, there are several gigantic inflatables, from the knock-out gladiator wars where four kids battle each other until the last one is standing, to the bungee run, basketball and more.

“I’ve been pretty lucky, this is my forth year coming here,” said senior Jonathan Hansell, who has looked forward to post-prom every year.

New this year was laser tag, with glow-in-the-dark ping pong, foosball and even mini golf.

As they played games, ate, socialized and danced the night away, some party-goers were looking forward to the early morning drawing.

“Hopefully I’ll win a prize,” said senior Brandon George.

And who wouldn’t hope to win because for those students who stayed until morning, the wait was worth it, as prizes included, iPads, computers, gift cards and three large cash prizes totally $5,000.

Nearly 900 students attended this year and that is a lot of mouths to feed.

“The committee values the support of local businesses,” said committee member Jennifer Giordano who spoke on behalf of her fellow volunteers. “This year, Red Robin joined in providing most of the catering free of charge.”

According to Giordano, many of Red Robin employees are Parkland students and the board felt it was such a great way to give back and support the community.

They were joined by PJ’s at Walbert which did a Dine and Donate program providing its famous wings; Parma Pizza, Cedar Crest and Tilghman, which provided free pizza; and a $500 food credit from Wegmans.

“These donors came in and pretty much replaced all of what we normally would have to do to serve nearly 900 people,” said Giordano.

An enormous endeavor, post-prom party is made possible through the volunteer efforts of more than 150 parents, teachers and staff members.

“The event relies on parents from other grades to pay it forward,” said Giordano. “I started helping when my oldest was a sophomore and I’ll do it each year my three girls aren’t seniors and attending.

“It’s a Mother’s Day all-nighter, but it’s for a great cause.”

Many students attend the post-prom party even if they did not go to prom. It is just that much fun.

Student safety may have been the original goal, but as the event celebrates its 15th year, it has now become a favorite part of the Parkland Prom experience.

“We want prom night to be a night to remember for all the right reasons,” said Giordano.

“The party provides a safe, fun alternative to private parties and gives parents peace of mind.”