Prom royalty at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Adult Prom are, from left: Stephanie Simonowski, Randy Lehman, Eric Erlenwein and Julie Wollschlager. (Photo provided)

SYRACUSE — The Third Annual Elkhart County 4-H Fair Adult Prom Fundraiser was the largest to date with 564 guests Saturday, March 19, at Oakwood Event Center on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse. Shortly after the doors opened, guests socialized, viewed the wide array of over 30 silent auction items and also perused the assortment of over 40 live auction items.

A dinner buffet, featured grilled sirloin and Parmesan encrusted chicken with Romesco sauce as entrees was provided by the Oakwood Resort culinary team. Bryan Blair, general manager of the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds served as master of ceremonies for the evening. In addition to serving as emcee, Blair welcomed guests and introduced the items offered during the live auction. The items being offered to the highest bidder included anything from vacation getaways to behind the scenes 4-H Fair VIP experiences and autographed collectibles to hand-crafted heirloom quality furniture. The auctioneers and clerks from Phil Hahn and Associates & Auction in Nappanee, helped orchestrate the largest single fundraiser to date.

Following the live auction, the 2016 Adult Prom Royalty were crowned by the 2015 King, Michael Christofeno. The 2016 Prom Kings and Queens were selected by a secret panel and were crowned based on who represented “Best Prom Spirit.” The Kings were Eric Erlenwein and Randy Lehman and the Queens were Stephanie Simonowski and Julie Wollschlager. Following the coronation, Gretchen’s Revenge provided entertainment and guests enjoyed dancing the night away.

Final results are still being tabulated, but the preliminary figures show this event was a record breaker, raising over $100k. All net proceeds from this event are designated to contribute to the permanent roadway that will link the fairgrounds to CR 36, allowing for a much needed additional entrance and exit point.

Mark your calendars — the committee is already planning for the Fourth Annual Elkhart County 4-H Fairboard Adult Prom Fundraiser which will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds.