This year’s annual Sweetheart Dance on Feb. 7 drew 200 guests across two separate 90-minute seatings on Friday evening at the Deerfield Park District’s Patty Turner Center, 375 Elm Street.
Special events such as these are popular this time of year by organizers such as park districts, schools, and houses of worship on Valentine’s Day around Lake County and Chicagoland.
“The Sweetheart Dance has grown to become a beloved Deerfield tradition, designed to honor the special relationships that exist between children and their caregivers,” said Shannon Cahill, recreation supervisor for Cultural Arts, Special Events and Community Programming at the Deerfield Park District.“It’s a night to dance,” Cahill said, with an opportunity to, “enjoy dinner and strengthen the ties that bring the community together.”
Guests were offered a buffet meal catered by Deerfield Italian Kitchen and music provided by Bressler Entertainment, Cahill said. There was also a dessert buffet with iced cakes plus cookies to top the night off.
“Beyond creating cherished memories, the Sweetheart Dance reinforces the shared values of love and belonging that keep families connected,” Cahill added.
Scott Superfine of Deerfield accompanied daughter Olivia, 9, a third-grader, and said, “She’s having the best time.”
Andrew Belsky of Deerfield placed a floral wrist corsage on his daughter Noa, 6, a first-grader.
On Valentine’s Day, Andrew Belsky hopes for Noa that, “She knows her dad and mom, and she has two younger sisters, love her very much, and that we share a lot of love in our family, and a lot of love in the world and in our community,” Noa’s father said.
To her father, Noa said with a smile, “Thank you for coming with me.”
Celebrating Valentine’s Day is special for the Topper family of Deerfield. Parent Scott Topper posed for a keepsake photo in front of a festive step and repeat backdrop with daughters Noa, a second-grader who turns 8 on Valentine’s Day and Stevie, 5, a preschooler.
Valentine’s Day this year falls on Friday, Feb. 14. What does Noa Topper want for her Feb. 14 birthday? Noa is still deciding, she said.
The girls’ father said about special occasions like the Sweetheart Dance, “There’s nothing more important in life.
“Family is everything and I love my kids and I wouldn’t rather be doing anything else in the world right now,” Scott Topper said. “I’m lucky.
“I’m the lucky one,” the siblings’ father added.
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Logan Weinstein, 6, a first-grader from Deerfield, put party glasses on a balloon as a fun gesture while on the dance floor.
Logan’s father Michael Weinstein hoped for Logan at Valentine’s Day to receive, “all the candy and chocolate and flowers.”
David Miller of Deerfield brought daughter Emily, 8, a second-grader.
Who is Emily’s Valentine?
“Daddy,” said Emily, who promptly gave her father a kiss and said, “I love you.”
Hallie Kohl, 5, a kindergartner from Deerfield, attended with her father Jon Kohl. Jon Kohl said Hallie was his Valentine and that, “I love her very much.”
Jason Fishleder of Deerfield brought daughters Lyla, 7, a second-grader and Haley, 5, a kindergartner.
“I hope they have a loving time,” Jason Fishleder said about wishes for Haley and Lyla at Valentine’s Day.
Lucy Glass, 7, a first-grader from Deerfield danced with parent Aaron Glass to disc jockey music.
“This is a fantastic event and Lucy loves coming to it every year,” Aaron Glass said.
To the Deerfield Park District, “Thank you,” Aaron Glass said. “They do a great job.”
Visit https://www.deerfieldparks.org.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.