Last year Bromfield was transformed into the magical Land of Oz with all of its familiar characters, including the Tin Man at the town’s post-prom celebration. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Surprise and delight are the reactions the Celebration 2009 volunteers are hoping for tonight when juniors and seniors arrive to find their school transformed for Bromfield’s 13th annual all-night, after-prom party.

After nine months of planning, the Celebration 2009 Committee will turn Bromfield into another time and place in just nine hours. Will it be exotic, capricious, or glamorous—the South Seas, the Wild West, or Paris? As always, this year’s theme is a closely guarded secret. It’s a lot of work, but “we really have fun,” said Co-chair Debbie MacKenzie. “Seeing kids react, seeing how surprised and happy they are, is worth every stitch of work that goes into it.”

Town residents are invited for a sneak peak tonight between 9 and 10 p.m. They can wander the transformed halls, admire the scene, and play in the inflatable jump house.

The celebration is a whole-community event—a gift of fun, gathering, and safety to its older youth. Across the country, prom nights and other similar events have often been marred by tragic drinking and traffic accidents. The 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. celebration gives young adults a not-to-be-missed social event that brings all of the juniors and seniors together for a night of friendship, activities, games, and great food in a fantasy atmosphere.

Chef Paul Correnty will be on hand with his famous omelets and waffles. A chocolate fountain won’t be far away.

From the early October theme decision to the time the last bit of evidence is cleaned up tomorrow, at least 140 volunteers will have helped make it happen. Three co-chairs, MacKenzie, Patty Wenger, and Lois Krutz, and nine committees—decoration, entertainment, food, publicity, fundraising, volunteers, organizing, borrow list, and technology—put in the time, dedication, and talent to pull it off. The borrow list, with requests to borrow anything from vintage washing machines and spare sofas to berets and bandanas, helps keep costs down and authenticity up. 

The event depends on the generosity of the community and local businesses. The committee is grateful to everyone who has donated money, time, props, or material to create the evening. “We couldn’t do it with the town’s support,” said Wenger of her five years with Celebration, three of them as co-chair. According to Wenger and MacKenzie, the biggest hurdle is getting volunteers. “Once people get involved, they love it,” said Wenger.