Gather your napkin and tie on a bib: Taste of Montrose is Sunday!

By Jake BOWMAN

The annual Taste of Montrose, one of the largest fundraisers for Prom Plus, takes place this Sunday, May 5, along Honolulu Avenue. The delicious fundraiser not only raises money for the after-prom party held for Crescenta Valley High School seniors and their guests but also showcases local restaurants, eateries and food providers.

According to Robin Goldsworthy, president of Prom Plus, “Taste of Montrose is an opportunity to showcase the many wonderful dining options in the Crescenta Valley and surrounding areas and highlights why Montrose is a dining destination. We understand that, for many establishments, having new customers cross their threshold is one of the biggest challenges they have. Taste of Montrose provides an opportunity to invite these prospective diners into locals restaurants to try a ‘taste’ of their fare.”

For 25 years, Prom Plus has been providing Crescenta Valley High School students with a safe place to party and have fun after prom. Created in response to the tragic death of a student in 1991, Prom Plus has a singular goal: saving lives one prom at a time.

Going to the prom has been a
rite of passage for many young adults for over a century. It was often the first time that young men and women would get to experience an adult social gathering; in some ways it can be considered a send-off to adulthood. In recent years, prom has become a mainstream in pop culture, not only through movies such as “Footloose,” “21 Jump Street,” “American Pie” and more, but through media attention as well. Every year around this time news outlets will cover a variety of news stories with titles like “Prom date gone wrong” or “Epic prom proposal from one teen.” With the rise in popularity of social media platforms (such as Twitter and Instagram), prom is a massive undertaking every year for many high school students around the country.

There are many positives and things to look forward to with prom, but the dance also brings with it many dangers and unknowns. Many of the movies mentioned above idolize drinking and partying after prom. Some might consider a night away from parents and out with friends the perfect time to let loose and have a good time. This, unfortunately, also means that many times teens are put into compromising or dangerous situations. Prom Plus and organizations like it around the country seek to lessen the risk of danger while keeping the fun intact.

Prom Plus is a huge event that has only continued to grow over the years. Currently it takes more than $20,000 to put the event together and features a zip line, mechanical bull, climbing wall, casino and more. In order to raise that kind of money, fundraising events take place throughout the year leading up to the night of the party. One of the most popular fundraisers is the Taste of Montrose.

Not only does this event provide money for Prom Plus, but it gives people an easy and fun way to get involved in the community and learn more about its offerings. This year the event will feature some local favorite restaurants including Zeke’s Smokehouse and Town Kitchen and Grill. For those who have ever wanted to try these places out, the Taste of Montrose event is their best bet.

“We’re so grateful to our local restaurants and eateries that provide samples of their delicious food; without their contributions, we would never be able to have this successful event,” Goldsworthy said.

Taste of Montrose is Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are available beforehand at the offices of CV Weekly, 3800 La Crescenta Ave. #206, by going online to www.promplus.org and clicking the donate button or at the Prom Plus booth at the food court at Ocean View Boulevard and Honolulu Avenue on Sunday morning. Tickets are just $20 the day of the event.

Taste of Montrose is held in conjunction with the Montrose Shopping Park’s Wags n Whiskers and Kids & Kritters events (www.shopmontrose.com) that begin on Sunday morning at 9 a.m.

Sunday’s events give guests a fun way to explore the area and meet community members and Taste of Montrose ticket buyers help ensure that local high school students have a memorable and safe post-prom.

  Jake BOWMAN