Hours before the prom began, a large number of prom participants, parents, friends and visitors gathered at German Park Saturday afternoon for group photos and hanging out with friends.

Hundreds of prom-goers said they were happy to dress up and meet with friends.

“It’s a good social event. It’s good to see everyone,” said New Ulm High School senior Nate Firle.

“It’s really fun for a day,” said his date, Taylor Grant.

Lindsay Hose and Calem Forst walk in Cathedral High School's Grand March. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Carly Wenninger said she appreciated the fact that the prom dance was moved to The Franklin instead of New Ulm High School.

“I’m really excited it’s downtown at The Franklin this year. It’s a nice change of scenery and feels more fancy,” she said.

New Ulm High School’s prom had a Hollywood theme, “A Night on the Red Carpet.” A grand march was held in the high school gym with more than a hundred couples.

A disc jockey played music at the Franklin from 9-11 p.m. Saturday. A post-prom event with gym games for students and guests followed from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday at the New Ulm Middle School.

Cathedral held a Masquerade themed prom in the CHS gym with couples participating in the grand march. The dance followed the prom in the gym. A special post-prom event followed at Concordia Lanes.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm High School prom-goers James Osborne and Isabelle Webb pause on a German Park sidewalk Saturday afternoon.

Maddie Schreyer and Jared Gleisner pose for photos Cathedral High School's prom. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Kaitlyn Furth and Payten Wurtzberger for photos Cathedral High School’s prom.