Prom Season is Upon Us!

Who knew that high school students could help the economy?

For millions of teenagers, prom night is one of the biggest events of their young lives. It can also be one of the most expensive.

Parents and teenagers can spend a wallet full of cash -- or a suitcase full -- depending on where they live and how prom is celebrated. Add the cost of a limo, flowers, dinner, hair and makeup, tanning sessions, a formal dress or tuxedo, and prom costs can range from $200 to more than $2,000.

What it implies is this: tuxedo and gown shops, beauty salons and barbershops, limousine rental companies, florists, tanning parlors and local restaurants will all become part of the annual rite of passage for area high school students as businesses scramble to meet the needs of their youthful customers.

With about 16 million teens in the United States attending public or private high schools, the potential spending for shoes, gowns and tuxes, limos, dinners and more is pretty significant.

So to all of the prom-goers we say thank you for helping us out of our recession.


Now, sarcasm aside - be safe, make wise choices, and most of all, have fun.