BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Prom season is around the corner, and it’s never too early to plan for that magical event — starting with the dress.
But ask Google how much a prom dress costs and prepare to be ticket-shocked.
Just in time, though, the YWCA-Bethlehem Annual Pop-Up Prom Shop is back.
About 200 high school prom-goers from around the region are expected to show up to the Pop-Up Prom Shop from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, held by the YWCA-Bethlehem at Venture X in the city's historic South Side.
There, they’ll come face-to-face with more than 500 glamorous dresses in assorted colors, fabrics and lengths — and even a few pantsuit styles — for dancing the big night away.
“We offer an affordable and easy shopping experience for high school students and their parents, and everyone is welcome, regardless of school or school district."YWCA-Bethlehem Development Director Kathy Cruz
“We offer an affordable and easy shopping experience for high school students and their parents, and everyone is welcome, regardless of school or school district,” YWCA-Bethlehem Development Director Kathy Cruz said.
“We sent out flyers to local schools, but we don’t discriminate. We’ve had girls come from as far away as Reading.”
The one-day boutique, in its 18th year, offers mostly new and a few gently used gowns, most with tags still attached.
Makeup, accessories such as jewelry, purses and shawls, plus goodie bags, will be free to all shoppers.
All of the merchandise is donated by businesses and individuals who want to help make prom night one to remember.
Shoes are not available, but it is recommended that shoppers bring along a pair of heels comparable to the height they plan on wearing with their dress.
'It's a great thing'
It will be the third time the prom shop will be set up at Venture X, Suite 110, 306 S. New St., South Bethlehem, a shared workspace and community for entrepreneurs, established businesses, startups and Fortune 500 companies.
“I think it’s fantastic," said Terry Wallace, Venture X Bethlehem owner, who referred to himself as a "girl-dad."
"I think it’s wonderful — young ladies come in from, it seems like, all around, and the line sometimes goes out the building down the block.
“They do a nice job of getting it out there for the people to know.”
The glam shopping experience will be set up on the first floor at 306 S. New St., across 4,000-square-feet surrounded by glass, wood and other natural materials.
Volunteers and employees from both organizations will work together to transform it from workplace to wow.
"I just open my doors, and they take it from there. I’m privileged to be a part of it, and it’s a great thing.”Terry Wallace, Venture X Bethlehem owner
“It’s no small lift, for sure,” Wallace said. “We move all of the furniture out of the way. But they have free reign. I just open my doors, and they take it from there.
"I’m privileged to be a part of it, and it’s a great thing.”
It’s a mission of good will that directly reflects YWCA’s national mission: to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
“I first joined YWCA as a volunteer for the prom shop, and that’s how I fell in love with the mission and everything else," Cruz said.
"It is very interesting to see the girls, the experience they have, while selecting their dresses and accessories. It’s also great for volunteers to observe.”
'Be present in the community'
About 50 volunteers, including officers from the Bethlehem Police Department, will help Friday and Saturday.
“They’re there on their own time just to volunteer for the event,” Cruz said.
“We reached out to them to seek support, and they even wrote a little article for our student magazine, with safety tips for prom night, especially since many of the students are exposed to alcohol while driving.
“They want to make sure it’s a good experience for the students and their parents. They want everyone to see the event as a possibility of letting them know that they don’t have to drink, that they can be safe.
"They want to be involved, reach the students, and be present in the community.”
Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott said in an email, "Our officers are there to connect with the community in a positive, supportive way.
"Participating in events like the YWCA’s prom pop-up shop helps build trust and shows that BPD is here to help, not just enforce the law."
Students can bring siblings but they must come with an adult, a parent to sign a form that asks for their age, high school, what they’re looking for, and also sign a photo release.
