Forty years ago, Kevin Bacon graced the halls of Payson High School as Ren McCormack in “Footloose.” Now the students of that same high school are trying to orchestrate Bacon's return to Payson for their prom.
This anniversary has been even more special than in years past with the school soon moving to a new building.
“It seemed like if there was ever a time for him to come back and celebrate this movie, that this would be the year,” said Jenny Staheli, the school’s student council adviser.
This isn't the school's first attempt to bring Bacon to Utah. It has been an idea for at least 20 years, according to Staheli.
In what they've dubbed as “Footlose Year at Payson High,” the school and community have held several Bacon-themed events, including hosting a screening of the movie, raising money for Bacon's charity SixDegrees, putting on a production of “Footloose” and writing letters to Bacon.
A video from Gov. Spencer Cox persuading the actor to come back to Payson has also been instrumental in the school's efforts.