Daughters and dads gathered in their best finery for an early celebration of Valentine’s Day and the gift of sharing time together.
The Daddy Daughter Dance, hosted by the Wilmette Park District since 2011, invited guests to create memories at the butterfly-themed event Feb. 1 at the Michigan Shores Club.
Kimberly Barton, general recreation supervisor for the Wilmette Park District, said she attended many daddy daughter dances as a kid growing up on the North Shore.
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“I want our couples to make special memories here, and by offering guests the chance to take a professional studio portrait, we are able to provide a visual marker for them to take home as a memento of the experience,” Barton said.
Besides the DJ, there were song activities and an ice cream bar.
“The Michigan Shores club location is very unique to Wilmette, it’s an elegant setting which feels linked to the grand balls of days gone by,” Barton said.
James Weedon of Wilmette attended with his 7-year-old daughter Megan.
“This is a special night for us, especially since I’ve attended the dance for years with Megan’s older sister who is now 13. Tonight is a special time for my daughter and I to bond,” Weedon said.
Jacob White of Wilmette also said the daddy daughter dance is a special event.
“My daughter Bronwen and I have attended for three years in a row and we’ve been talking about coming all day today. This is an exciting opportunity for us,” White said.
Mark Smith of Wilmette attended with his daughters.
“We are accessories. It’s really all about the girls. They make a lot of friends at the event whom we see every year,” Smith said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter.