Estefany Cano
Last year's Winter formal, "A Night Under the Stars," was Del Oro's first off-campus dance and was held at the Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame. This year's event, "Winter Wonderland," will be at the Kern County Fairgrounds.
We’re just a few weeks away from an evening of snowy beauty at one of the biggest events of the year, the winter formal.
Winter Wonderland is the theme for this year’s dance, and tickets are available at the finance office for $45. The formal is set for Dec. 6 and the last day to purchase tickets is Dec. 3. Students need a dance contract signed by both a guardian and the dean in order to buy a ticket.
While some students may have concerns about ticket prices, there is good news. Various campus groups, such as The Sunburst, offer opportunities for discounted or free tickets. Make sure to keep up with any social media posts that may contain information. ASB also is hosting various lunchtime activities to promote formal and give students a chance for discounted tickets.
Last year’s formal, A Night Under the Stars, was held off campus at the Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame. This year’s formal has a new off-campus location, 1142 South P Street, which are the Kern County fairgrounds.
“It’s a chance to unwind and let loose before the stress of finals week,” said Khushwant Kaur, ASB president.
Kaur said she plans to attend the winter formal and encouraged other students to go.
“ASB has something planned that’s never been done before which will surely stand out, and we’re very excited about it,” she said.
The location of the dance isn’t the only reason why this year’s formal is unique. It is also the last formal for the class of 2026, who are Del Oro’s first group of four-year graduates.
Said senior class representative Yuridia Muro: “I would say this year’s formal is different from the past ones as it is our last one of the OG class. It’s going to be really cool with where our venue is and how pretty it’s going to look.”
Muro said she plans to attend the formal and is excited to see how her fellow classmates will enjoy the dance.
Jason Jimenez, another senior class rep, said ASB is working hard to make this formal different and stand out from previous dances.
“This theme is quite nice,” he said. “It fits with the year, season and location so it’s going to be really fun.”
Several seniors took the time to reflect on the winter formal.
Laya Carter said she isn’t planning to attend the formal but believes it will be a fun experience for those who do go.
“It’s going to be a lot different than last year because there’s going to be more hype, a lot more decorations, we have a DJ now and there’s a lot more being provided,” she said.
Bryan Chino Gonzalez said he’s planning to attend: “We’re still in high school. We should remember that we’re still kids having fun. We already expect what’s going on in the future. Let’s just enjoy the moment.”
Natalie Ruiz said she hopes to attend, adding that she had a lot of fun at previous formals.
“Hopefully, I am able to go for my senior year because guys, I want to party it up in here,” she said.