Fashion show slated tonight

The Grade 11/12 Entrepreneurship class at Fort Frances High School is staging a fashion show tonight at the Townshend Theatre as a hands-on assignment.
“Ultimately the purpose is to teach these kids about entrepreneurship by running a ‘business’ in a hands-on situation,” teacher Shane Beckett explained, noting the proceeds will go towards a field trip for the class.
“So they can actually see the behind the scenes of an actual business.”
Beckett noted the entire class is participating in the project, with groups of students responsible for different aspects, such as management, clothing, modelling, advertising, etc.
“It’s as student-led as I could possibly let it be,” he indicated. “I’m the contact person, but they’re running the show.”
The class began the project at the beginning of October and has been working on it since.
Beckett noted student-run fashion shows were conducted by marketing classes at the high school throughout the ’90s, but they fell by the wayside.
Then a few years ago, a small group of Beckett’s marketing students staged a fashion show just for the school.
“It’s something I brought up to the class as an idea and they just ran with it from there,” he said. “So it’s been done, but not to this extent for quite a while.”
Models in tonight’s show will be wearing clothing from McTaggarts, Taggs Source for Sports, Skates & Blades, and Warehouse One.
Hair and make-up is being provided by Bombshell while additional make-up will be done by Jolee Nick of Celeste’s.
Other businesses also have donated items for a penny table, which will be held during the fashion show. There will be singing performances by Katelyn Shortreed and Karissa Lauzon, as well.
“So there have been a ton of people all around helping out,” Beckett stressed. “And the community has been very supportive.”
Tickets, available at McTaggarts, Taggs Source for Sports, Warehouse One, and at the door, cost $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and $3 for children 12 and under.
The show begins at 7 p.m. and will run about 90 minutes, with an intermission.