The Crosstown Craze is expected to sweep through Kalispell high schools this year at epidemic rates.

Symptoms of the Craze involve intense celebration of accomplishments, unending entertainment and a desire for adventures in laser tag and sumo wrestling.

Students afflicted will be gathering at The Summit, where the popular post-graduation party will be held starting at 9 p.m. June 2 and lasting until to 5 the next morning.

Participants will have access to health-club amenities as well as an opportunity to test their skills in a casino room, Best-Buy arcade or high-school versions of TV game shows.

There are currently between 25 to 30 parents organizing the party. The Crosstown Craze is open to about 600 graduates from Glacier and Flathead High Schools, Laser School and Bridge Academy.

Kelly Osborne, Crosstown Craze chair, estimates that between 150 to 200 volunteers are needed to work at the event, which will be broken into five shifts: 5 to 8:30 p.m. (set-up); 8:30 to 11:45 p.m.; 11:30 p.m. to 2:45 a.m.; 2:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. (clean-up).

“We need volunteers to help with set-up, tear-down, facilitating games and security,” Osborne said, noting that the shift in greatest need of volunteers is the 2:30 to 5:30 a.m. slot.

The party is a 40-year tradition in Kalispell to provide a safe, drug-free environment for post-graduation celebration.

“We are so thankful for the generous support of this valley over the years, and we are asking once again for your support,” Osborne said.

Osborne reminds students to purchase their Crosstown Craze tickets prior to the party, to ensure that they have a chance to go home with great prizes such as boat rentals and golf and spa packages.

“Early ticket sales are so important because that money is what enables us to purchase great prizes,” Osborne said. “It is our plan to give each graduate a door prize of equal or greater value to their entry ticket price, so prizes are a huge need.”

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at www.crosstowncraze.com.

Community members may also support the event by purchasing a “30 days for $30” pass to The Summit. Passes are available for purchase at these Kalispell locations: Insty Prints, 131 Main St.; Alamon Telko, 315 W. Idaho St.; or Susan Hulslander’s office, 24 First Ave. E.

Businesses may also contribute with monetary or in-kind donations. Contributions are tax-deductible and may be mailed to Crosstown Craze P.O. Box 8313 Kalispell MT 59904.

For more information, visit www.crosstowncraze.com, email [email protected] or call 871-5719.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].