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For the past few months, juniors and seniors have been gearing up for the finale of the high school social calendar: prom.

Approximately 5 million prom dresses have been sold in the past year, which is more than a $1 billion in retail sales, and the average “prom couple” will spend anywhere from $500 to $900 on the one-night event.

Even more shocking is the fact that nearly one-third of people younger than 21 killed in traffic accidents die from alcohol-related causes during April, May and June.

A group of area parents and students have come together to ensure that students in the La Crosse area will not add to this distressing statistic by organizing the Post-Prom After Party on Saturday, May 3.

The event will start at midnight and go until the wee-hours Sunday morning. Ordinarily hosted at “open” spaces like the La Crosse Center or Valley View Mall, this year’s organizers went for a smaller location — the YMCA North in Onalaska.

“At YMCA North, there’s a more personal feel. There’s different rooms for various activities, along with a pool and an open gym,” said Sandra Wiggert, who serves as parent from Logan High School and a teacher from Onalaska High School on the committee.

The event is modified each year, depending mainly on the students who participate from each school who serve as a makeshift steering committee for the project.

“This year we tried to include the students in every decision,” Wiggert said. “Whatever we could do to honor their opinions and wishes we did.”

Additions to the event include hot tubs in the parking lot, casino games and a Battle of the Bands competition in which the grand prize winner will receive $200.

A big change this year is the fact that it’s not a lock-in anymore, which might have cut back on attendance in the past few years.

In addition to the various activities, students will have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the night, including an iPod Touch and a Rock Band video game system.

Once dawn hits on Sunday morning, a breakfast bar will be put up with smoothies and coffee provided by JavaVino.

“It’s incredible the way the community has responded,” Wiggert said. “The generosity of area businesses is just awesome.”

OHS junior Kaitlin Klos, a student representative on the planning committee, said the event will be successful because there’s so much to do. “It really gives kids the option and the opportunity to go to a safe place and have a lot of fun,” she said.

Tickets are $5 and are available at participating high schools and at the door.