The prom may be one of the first times that high schoolers get dressed up for a formal event, but it doesn’t have to be the last time.
While you may not be able to relive the glory days of your youth, you can at least catch a glimpse of them at Goebbert’s Spring Gala on May 7, which is dubbing itself a prom for adults.
“This a black-tie formal,” said Jake Goebbert, owner of The Venue at Goebbert’s. “It’s a chance for people to get dressed up and enjoy the evening. It’s something different than going to a restaurant or wedding, where you can spend some quality time with friends in a way that you rarely get to.”
The idea for the event sprouted last year when Goebbert read a Facebook post from a friend who asked, “How cool would it be to have an adult prom?”
“He was actually a friend from high school, and it was just a random comment,” Goebbert said. “But it took off and got a lot of attention. So we reached out to him and said, would you be interested in actually doing it? He helped us out with a lot of ideas and structure, and we ended up planning an event around it in November.”
The first adult prom was a big success, drawing 320 people to the event at The Venue in Pine Grove.
“But we thought, prom is really a spring thing, so we decided to do it again,” Goebbert said.
The black-tie required event, officially named the very prom-like Enchanted Forest Spring Gala, will feature a sit-down dinner, an open bar, a harpist performing during the cocktail hour and a DJ leading the dancing into the night. Tickets can be purchased individually, as a couple, or in tables of 10.
“We’ll have some of our signature cocktails that have been popular,” Goebbert said. “An all-inclusive open bar is included in the ticket price, and we have one of our favorite DJs running the show. It’s going to be a wonderful night.”
The Venue, which is located at the Goebbert Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, was founded by Goebbert and his wife, Heather, in 2020.
“It was great timing, I know,” Goebbert said.
He grew up on the farm but ended up pursuing a professional baseball career, which included a stint on the San Diego Padres major league roster in 2014.
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“When I was done playing baseball, I kind of wanted to provide something new on my own,” Goebbert said. “I always enjoyed parties, and my wife is a great entertainer, so we thought of the idea of creating this new space on the farm.”
While starting an event business during a pandemic wasn’t ideal, it did give the Goebberts a chance to focus on the business without distractions.
“In some ways, it has been a blessing in disguise,” he said. “It’s allowed me to take time and focus on some of the little details. Obviously, we weren’t as busy starting out as we had hoped, but we got through it.”
The Venue features a large tent that’s just under 10,000 square feet, which is where the spring gala will be held.
“It’s technically a temporary structure,” Goebbert said. “Three sides are glass panels, and the whole ceiling is draped in white linen. It’s a nice mix that allows you to get that feeling of being outside, yet you still have a controlled, formal environment.”
Goebbert is one of those people who has fond memories of his own prom at Hampshire High School.
“I married my prom date,” he said. “We were high school sweethearts, so we went to both junior and senior prom together.
“It does bring back a lot of fun memories, and we’ve had a lot of support from friends and the local community,” Goebbert said. “We’re just trying to make something unique and fun that will give people a great night out.”
Goebbert’s Enchanted Forest Spring Gala
When: 5:30 p.m. May 7
Where: The Venue at Goebbert’s, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove
Tickets: $175
Information: 847-464-5952; goebbertevents.com
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Courier-News.