BEEKMANTOWN -- Beekmantown High School has been hosting an after-prom party for more than 25 years now.

The event, originally organized through the school's Students Against Drunk Driving group, has come a long way since its start. Three years ago, the party location was moved to the High School, raising attendance from 20 percent to 60 percent.

Past parties have featured tarot card readings, professional massages, game rooms, movies, bonfires, obstacle courses, temporary-tattoo stands and many other activities.

High School Principal Garth Frechette is especially excited about this year's extravaganza, which will take place after tonight's prom and feature the biggest prize the school has given away yet.

"It was almost comical to walk into a car dealership and ask for a car," Frechette said.

Letters were written to 15 local automobile dealerships, and Knight Cadillac in Plattsburgh decided to show what it means to give back to the community.

The result? A 2004 silver Pontiac Sunfire, which gets 30 miles to the gallon, will be given away.

"If a kid stays all night long, their name will be in the drawing; it's that simple," Frechette said.

Many other prizes will be given away, such as money, golf passes, gift certificates and school parking spots.

More important than the prizes, though, is the reason behind having the after-prom party, something the parents and students involved in the event's planning are passionate about, Frechette said.

"Every time we can increase the number of students at our chemical-free activities it's a good thing. This is the cool alternative, an opportunity for kids who don't want to go to your typical (drinking) party."

Kathy Fuller, a science teacher at Beekmantown High School, has been involved in planning and chaperoning the after-prom party for the past two years.

"I thought it was important to get my feet wet so I could be a leader the next year, when my daughter was a junior," she said.

"Because it's a whole class of kids, you build school spirit. It's an infectious kind of atmosphere. I don't know that I've ever seen a kid not have fun while participating in this."

The students have been very receptive to the event, with 75 out of 135 students signed up and more doing so this week.