When the three chairmen of Celebration 2008 throw open the doors at Bromfield tonight to welcome the community to the annual open house, they are sure the makeover of the school will take everyone’s breath away. Decorated from corner to corner, the school is transformed according to a theme that is long held secret by more than 140 volunteers working to create a memorable night for Bromfield’s juniors and seniors. Held from 9 to 10 p.m., the community open house is so popular that volunteers have to shoo everyone out the door in order to get ready for the kids’ arrival at 11 p.m.

Co-chairmen Pat Wenger, Lois Krutz, and Debbie MacKenzie have spent most of the school year pulling the event together with the help of volunteers drawn from all segments of the community, Wenger noted, from the Board of Selectmen to the pastor of the Congregational Church. Whether they are running the mock casino, helping to locate such arcane items as a long brown wig, or creating what all three women call “awesome” decorations, this is the group that really makes Celebration a community event, Krutz said. It is amazing to watch people get into the theme every year, Wenger noted, and this year is no exception. Bromfield Principal Jim O’Shea happens to be a big fan of this year’s theme, and plays a special—and likely very memorable—part in the festivities.

While the focus of Celebration is a night of fun, the event was conceived in widespread concern that there were not enough safe, fun, and alcohol-free venues for kids to go to after significant events like the prom. While all juniors and seniors are welcome to attend Celebration whether or not they also go to the prom, the event is scheduled for that night because most kids want to continue socializing after the dance, Wenger said. Now almost all juniors and seniors attend Celebration, she said, and last year’s attendance was the highest ever.

Wenger acknowledged that there is some criticism from members of the community that the event is over-the-top, and that the money spent could be better applied elsewhere. While Celebration is something of an extravaganza, she said, she also believes that keeping Harvard’s kids safe should be everyone’s highest priority. It is also a strong town tradition, she pointed out, and one of the last times the entire senior class can be together.

Each year the various committees work to create a night of round-the-clock fun, and their success at this in years past is what makes the open house so popular now. Entertainment chairman Bob Hazel will bring back the popular Velcro wall and bungee-run competitions, and six lucky winners of those contests will take home the coveted Bromfield sweatshirts. A Las Vegas-style casino and a game show in the Cronin auditorium are also on the entertainment schedule, and the gym will be set up with a DJ and karaoke. Krutz said her older son has great memories of the food served at Celebration, and that the made-to-order omelets and waffles made by Chef Paul Correnty are one of the event’s star attractions. She also emphasized that the kids are very appreciative of all the community’s efforts on their behalf.

MacKenzie can’t wait for the doors to open either.

“It’s an exciting, fun night,” she said. “The whole mystery of it is really intriguing to the kids and they have a wonderful, wonderful time.”