COVINGTON, Ga. - After concerns were raised last year by Main Street merchants following the annual high school prom celebrations, Main Street Covington has implemented a plan to ease congestion and allow for a picturesque event around the Covington square. 

Last year, merchants reported blocked roadways and dangerous conditions as a result of students attempting to take pre-dance photographs on the square. This year, designated parking areas, road closures and limousine drop-off locations have been scheduled in an effort to better organize the event. 

According to a news release from Main Street Director Lauren Singleton, Eastside High School’s prom is schedule for Saturday, March 23, while Alcovy High School and Newton High School’s proms are scheduled for Saturday, April 13. During these days, the general public should expect a slight traffic delay around the downtown Covington area between 3 and 7 p.m. 

“The Covington Police Department will have officers in downtown Covington to help keep traffic flowing and ensure students and families enjoy this memorable time on the square,” according to the release. 

In an effort to ease traffic congestion in Covington, a parking map to highlight the new procedures for pre-prom photography around the square. School representatives will also be present on the square to provide assistance if needed. 

“Parents are asked to park their cars in the parking areas highlighted on the parking map,” according to the release. “Limo drivers will have designated areas to drop off passengers on the north and south side of the Square Park. Once the passengers have been dropped off, the limo drivers will park in one of the designated limo parking locations, which are highlighted on the map. 

“When the students are finished taking photos on the Square, the limo drivers will be notified by the students and parents to pick up the students in the parking lot of BB&T next to the Historic Courthouse. All limos will pick students up at BB&T and not on the Square where they were originally dropped off.”

According to the release, professional photographers will be able to set up backdrops in parking spots on the west side of the square, which should also be considered the prime location for students wanting to use the Historic Newton County Courthouse as the backdrop. 

“To make this year’s prom season even more memorable, Main Street Covington has worked with local businesses on the Square to enhance the prom experience,”Singleton released. “The downtown businesses are inviting parents and students to take advantage of the many great ‘PROMotions’ that they are offering during prom season.” 

A list of the “PROMotions” can be found online at www.gocovington.com/main-street/business-directory.