Actor Kevin Bacon returned to a Utah high school where the cult classic movie “Footloose” was filmed over 40 years ago. Payson High School in Utah, which is set to be torn down next spring, held what was likely its final prom, with Bacon making a surprise appearance on the athletic field to greet students. He mentioned the power of the movie in bringing people together and being amazed by the commitment shown by the students in organizing the “Footloose”-themed prom.
About 21,000 people live in Payson, which is located about 60 miles south of Salt Lake City. Principal Jesse Sorenson mentioned that students had been trying to persuade Bacon to visit for years. Social media appeals turned into a community-wide campaign to work with Bacon’s charity, SixDegrees. Students agreed to put together 5,000 care packages for the charity in exchange for Bacon’s visit. They wrote messages for the care packages, collaborated with the Utah Film Commission and SixDegrees to raise donations, and spend weeks preparing for the event.
The students, along with community members, helped fill the care packages alongside Bacon, with an estimated 700 students and 300 community members participating. Payson High School traditions included playing “Footloose” at proms and recreating the film’s iconic dance. Older residents reminisce about being extras in the movie and point out locations in Payson featured in the film. The principal mentioned that the movie is a source of pride and fun for the community, with everyone coming together to celebrate the legacy of “Footloose” and Payson’s association with the movie.
The event was a culmination of the students’ efforts to bring Bacon to their school by partnering with his charity. Bacon’s visit marked a special occasion for the students and community of Payson, with the movie “Footloose” being a nostalgic reminder of Payson’s place in popular culture. The community-wide campaign to bring Bacon to the school shows the dedication and commitment of the students to achieve their goal. The event highlighted the power of movies and the impact they can have on bringing people together, as seen by the collective effort to bring Bacon to Payson.
With Payson High School set to be torn down in the near future, the “Footloose”-themed prom likely holds greater significance as a farewell to the iconic building and its connection to the movie. Bacon’s visit added an extra layer of nostalgia and celebration to the event, with the students enthusiastically joining in to make the day memorable. The strong community spirit and unity displayed during Bacon’s visit showcase the positive impact that movies can have on people, bringing them together in shared moments of joy and celebration. The event exemplified the enduring legacy of “Footloose” and its ability to unite people across generations.
