By Lydia Browne
Prom is quickly approaching for upperclassmen at BHS. This year, Prom will be held at the Bridge Yard, located at 210 Burma Road in Oakland. It will be from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13th. Attendees will be expected to come dressed in formal attire, optionally inspired by the theme: The Van Gogh Experience. Tickets will be available to purchase in the office for $160 until March 28.
The event itself is always exciting, but the location of this year’s Prom—the Bridge Yard—has a fascinating background. This historic building in Oakland was originally built in 1939 as the Inter-urban Electric Rail Bridge Yard Shop—a place to store and repair streetcars. However, in 1946, streetcars were replaced by buses when a public transport company called National City Lines purchased the majority of the company. A year later, National City Lines was convicted of conspiracy to monopolize public transit. The company was discovered to be a front for multiple fundamental parts of the auto industry: General Motors, Phillips Petroleum, and Firestone Tire.
In 2017, renovation plans for the building began to form. The venue is at the center of the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline Park. It flaunts many new features, such as sweeping views of the waterfront and an outdoor courtyard with a stage, viewing deck, and seating. The Bridge Yard earned accolades for its refurbishment, receiving an award for Outstanding Historic Renovation.
Bella Cannon, the head of the Prom committee, talked about some of the things that students can expect from Prom. “One of the main things that we are looking forward to are the decorations for the theme,” she said. “The theme is the ‘Van Gogh experience’, so we’re going to decorate the venue with many of his well known paintings, such as Starry Night and The Sunflowers.” She moved on to describe the kinds of food that will be found at the event: “People can expect different types of appetizers, so attendees can snack all night and have something to eat. There will also be some desserts and themed drinks.” As for the venue, Cannon expressed the anticipation of herself and her fellow committee members, saying, “We are very excited to have Prom at the Bridge Yard. It is right on the water, and it was recently [booked by] Steph Curry for two events.”
BHS Juniors and Seniors eagerly await the event. Ava Ramirez, a Senior, said that she most looks forward to the photo booths. Mia Raupach, also a Senior, said that she looks forward to “a great time dancing with friends.” According to Senior Sydney Dalske, some of her favorite parts of Prom are “getting ready and going to dinner with friends, and the after parties.” Rowan Yarnell, a Junior, said that he looks forward to dancing and the “starry night.”
For attendees, Prom is often a wonderful opportunity to have a fun and fancy time with their peers. For Seniors in particular, Prom marks one of the last few chances to spend time with friends and fellow classmates. For more information about Prom and ticket sales, go to https://bhs.beniciaunified.org/parents-students/prom/.
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