Finding just that right outfit for an upscale event doesn’t mean hitting the highway for shops in Cincinnati or Columbus. That’s what the Friends of Ironton organizers want to show in its inaugural prom and bridal expo, “Day of Elegance.”

“They don’t have to go away to find unique things for their special day whether it is a black tie dinner, sweet sixteen party or anniversary,” said Valerie Freeman, chief organizer of the event for Friends. “Anything they want they can find right here in the community.”

The expo starts at noon this Saturday at the Ro-Na Theater with 25 vendors showing off their wares.

“We have a great variety,” Freeman said. “There’s photography, floral, DJs, makeup, several travel agencies, a limousine service. It is an excellent variety. We have been really thrilled.”

At 1 p.m. there will be a style show on the stage of the Ro-Na of wedding gowns, prom dresses and party dresses, even for young girls.

Freeman got part of her ideas for vendors after attending another bridal show with the rest coming from her own contacts.

“I just literally sat down and made lists of people I knew,” she said. “I do a lot of fundraising at the theater.”

The event will run until 5 p.m. with an admission charge of $5.

All proceeds will go to the continual renovation of the historic theater.

“We want the public to come in and see how nice the theater is, the progression from last spring when we opened up the marquee,” Freeman said. “And we will have a display of how to rent it out for parties and receptions.

“This is an opportunity to get small businesses to say, ‘We are here and we are willing to help you meet your needs.’”