When Dartmouth High School’s Class of 2017 returned from senior prom at Gillette Stadium on June 1, the night was just getting started.

This year’s after-prom festivities — which provides the high school seniors with a safe hangout following prom — kicked off at 11:30 p.m. and ran until 5 a.m. Under a carnival theme, the event showcased a mechanical bull, carnival games, inflatables, and prizes including televisions and mini-fridges up for grabs.

The carnival theme is the brainchild of Jen Cabral, who oversaw the planning and execution of this year’s event. It’s her first year managing the event after taking it over from long-time overseers Steve and Kathy Gaspar.

“It’s been a transition year,” Cabral said, adding that while there were some changes, she has the same goal for the seniors’ last big outing with their classmates.

“It’s a great way to keep kids from drinking or other risky behaviors,” Cabral said. “We know kids will be here and will be safe.”

Cabral took on the project after the Gaspars expressed an interest in retiring. When that happened, and with few applicants, she was motivated by her sons Branden and Cody, both high school students, to put in an application.

“They were really my motivation,” Cabral said. “I didn’t want to see it go away.”

After-prom takes a lot of fundraising and a lot of volunteers to pull off, Cabral said. She has about 25 volunteers who attend regular planning meetings, and a total of 40-50 volunteers at the event.

Volunteers include those who have been helping out for years, and new faces ready to give back to the community, like Jennifer Dutra, who is new to volunteering. Her child is a junior at the high school.

“It’s just a great cause,” Dutra said.

Others are alumni who have their own after-prom memories.

Abbey Barber and Vanessa Farias, both recent Dartmouth High School graduates, came to help out dressed in carnival attire. The pair came back to lend their support to the program after Cabral brought up the idea. Farias also has a sister who is a senior this year.