Freshmen attending this year’s Freshmen Formal can expect a blend of western style and uptown elegance. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday at Lytle Bend Ranch.

The theme this year is “Denim and Diamonds.” The formal will include food and live music. Attendees will receive a T-shirt at the end of the night. Attire is semi-formal, but cowboy boots are acceptable because two-stepping music is anticipated.

Lytle Bend Ranch is described as a covered, enclosed pavilion and a game area in a real Texas ranch setting. It is used for many events, including get-togethers, picnics, weddings, rehearsal dinners, and parties.

“This formal is probably going to be more interesting than previous years because there will be dancing,” said Caleb Williamson, freshman youth ministry major from Thousand Oaks, Calif. “I think formal will be more enjoyable this year. Plus, the theme gives formal a great atmosphere.”

Williamson, a member of the Freshman Action Council, said 150 tickets have been sold so far, but that tickets were only available for purchase until April 9. No tickets will be sold at the door, but he hopes that the individuals that did purchase tickets will enjoy themselves.

Jaci Isham, freshman multimedia major from Decatur, is also a member of this year’s Freshman Action Council.

“FAC has worked really hard planning this and we hope everyone has a wonderful evening and creates memories they will never forget!” Isham said. “Especially since it’s the first Freshman Formal with dancing.”

Christina Wise, a freshman communication sciences and disorders major from San Antonio, described why freshman should attend the event and why the event happens every year.

“The purpose of formal is to unite the freshman class,” Wise said. “It’s kind of a celebration for making it through our freshman year. Formal is a night where we can relax and have fun and not think about homework. There is going to awesome music and great food the whole night and I’m really excited for everyone to come out this year.”