Photo provided A map showing street and intersection closings for BCSC’s prom on Saturday.
Street closures are planned for Saturday for the return of Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.’s prom to The Commons.
The Columbus Board of Works has approved a number of downtown street closures for the event. A map depicting the flow of traffic and various closures is available at bcscprom.com/details.
“Posting of closures will start at 8 a.m.,” said CSA New Tech teacher Veronica Buckler, who has been involved with planning the event. “The actual closure should start at 8 p.m.”
According to the approved right of way request, the following closures will be in place:Fourth Street will be closed from Jackson to Franklin, but the Washington Street intersection will remain open.
Jackson Street will be restricted to one-way, northbound traffic only, between Third and Seventh.
Fifth Street will be closed between Jackson and Washington.
Washington Street will be restricted to one-way, southbound traffic only, between Seventh and Third.
On Third Street, from Washington to Jackson, the north (right) lane will be for prom traffic only, the south (left) lane will be for thru-traffic, and the center lane will be closed.
Sidewalk barricades will be present along Washington Street from Fourth to Third.
Parking restrictions will be in place along Washington from Third to Fifth, along Fourth Street from Jackson to Franklin, and on the north side of Third Street between Jackson and Washington.
Columbus police will be present to oversee certain intersections.
Those attending the prom will walk a red carpet, walking up Fourth Street to Washington Street and then into The commons. Families may photograph arrivals from the sidewalk on Washington Street.
Students may park in any legal street parking downtown.
The theme for the night is “Destination Prom,” and hours for the event will be 9 p.m. to midnight.
Tickets cost $20 each and are available for purchase at CSA New Tech’s multipurpose room during both lunch periods and at North and East’s school bookstores. Tickets will be on sale until Friday at 1 p.m. This is also the deadline to register guests.
Students must present their school ID both for ticket purchases and entry into prom. No one will be admitted to prom without a ticket, and guests should also have a photo ID with them.
Any junior or senior (in good standing) from one of BCSC’s three high schools may attend the dance. More information about the event, including the rules regarding guests, is available at bcscprom.com.
Additionally, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services will hold “Dance Marathon: After Prom Party” the same night as BCSC’s prom. The event is a combination of Turning Point’s annual Dance Marathon event — which raises awareness about dating violence and promotes healthy relationships — and an after prom previously organized by the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department for BCSC students.
Turning Point officials have said that the new, combined event is free and open to all Bartholomew County students in grades 9-12, regardless of school. It will be held at Central Middle School from 9 p.m. on Saturday to 3 a.m. on Sunday, said director of prevention Stephen Dishinger.
According to organizers, the after prom event will include prevention education, food, prizes, dancing, games, inflatables, and black light Nerf gun competitions.
Student IDs are required for entry, and pre-registration is encouraged. Students can enter the event at any time, but re-entry is prohibited. Seniors who attend will be eligible to win one of three $1,000 Sarah Cannon Dance Marathon scholarships but must be present to win.
