By Tracy Overstreet
tracy.overstreet@theindependent.com

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Independent/Scott Kingsley Tiffany Waskowiak (right) waits for her turn to take the stage after Kacey Beason (left) during the Prom and Graduation Expo at Westridge Middle School Sunday afternoon. Independent/Scott Kingsley Antonia Ansgariusson models a dress featuring beadwork during the Prom and Graduation Expo at Westridge Middle School Sunday afternoon. Click Thumbnails to View

Each got to don five brand new prom gowns representing the latest in spring fashions as part of the Prom and Graduation Expo sponsored by The Grand Island Independent.

The girls were featured in the expo's 2 p.m. fashion show.

"It's a blast," said Tarryn Rouse, a senior from Doniphan/Trumbull High School. "They are beautiful and you feel gorgeous when you're in them."

Modeling in the fashion show also served as a good chance for the girls to try on something they ordinarily might not.

Antonia Ansgariusson fell in love with a teal, knee-length gown.

"It's different," the Doniphan/Trumbull senior said. "Most prom dresses are full length."

The 45 gowns provided by Bridal Collection, 1016 Diers Ave., in Grand Island displayed a wide variety of fashion on the Doniphan/Trumbull, Grand Island Senior High and Grand Island Northwest models.

"Pick-up skirts skirts that are gathered up are popular this year," said store co-owner Liz Pauli. "So are full ballgowns and the mermaid style dresses that are fitted up top with a flare at the end."

Dress colors ranged from a vogue chocolate brown to numerous metallics in pink, purple and even olive.

Bridal Collection offers a dress registry so that once a particular dress is sold to be worn at one school's prom, the same dress won't be sold to be worn there by someone else, the store owners said.

Rouse pointed out some unique patterns including a zebra-print she was to wear and a dress by Flirt covered in large lip prints.

"It's not something I would pick up normally, but it's so fun and flirty," Rouse said of the lip-print gown.

Nikki Nelson, a Doniphan/Trumbull junior, favored the long, black ballgown she modeled.

"I like the beadwork and the halter top," she said.

Pauli said beadwork and multiple layers on skirts in a 1940s-style are popular for this prom season.

For the men, striped or white tuxedos are in, with vests and ties that match ballgowns. A white tuxedo jacket paired with black pants was also a hot ensemble modeled Sunday, as was a chocolate brown tux.

Besides the latest fashion trends, expo participants were treated to the latest in flowers, scrapbooking, cosmetics, photography, cakes and catering through the expo vendors.

The Prom and Graduation Expo was held at the new Westridge Middle School.