VALDOSTA, Ga. — Individuals with disabilities will have a chance to catch disco fever Friday evening at Mathis City Auditorium.

The 10th Annual Prom for Individuals with Disabilities will be disco themed and is being called “Friday Night Fever,” according to parks and recreation officials. Guests are encouraged to wear 1970s-styled clothing to fit the theme.

The dance will have all of the features of a high school prom with a disc jockey, light refreshments, prom photos and the crowning of prom king and queen, organizers said. Wes Sewell Photography will be available 6-8 p.m. for official prom photos.

The theme is chosen by the events organizer, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority, said Jessica Catlett, marketing and public relations director for parks and rec.

Each year the theme rotates between a formal prom and something that encourages guests to have fun dressing up to a theme, she said. However, the themed proms do not inhibit guests who would want to dress outside the theme. Guests are still able to come to the prom wearing church clothing or formal attire.

The parks and rec therapeutics division started the event, the first of its kind in Valdosta, in 2008, according to organizers. Therapeutics Coordinator Tammy Crosby said the dance is still one of the department’s most anticipated events.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been doing this for a decade,” Crosby said. “We’re honored to keep providing this program and excited to see all the opportunities that have grown for individuals with disabilities since we created our prom 10 years ago.”

The dance will be 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 8, Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in advance at www.vlpra.com or the parks and rec main office,1901 N. Forrest St. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.