The Portage Parks Department hosted their most spectacular annual Daddy/Daughter Dance on Friday , February 10, 2012 at Woodland Park. At least for the past ten years, the Portage Parks Department has hosted a dance for dads to bring their daughters all dressed up, eat, get flowers, dance and of course, have fun!
The Parks Program Coordinator Pam Passera stated, “This is probably the biggest event that we do and it is such a good-wholesome event too. The numbers grew in size this year to 346 people attending verses around the 280 people that attended last year’s dance. We thought last years turn out was amazing, but this year’s was just unbelievable.“
When asked how she measured the success of this event? Pam answered, “By all the smiling faces of these little girls who get to have a night out with their dads.”
Rockin' DJ Dave was back this year, playing the coolest tunes on the dance floor. Dave is also the Sports Coordinator and Superintendant Assistant at the Portage Parks Department.
The menu consisted of chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese for the younger generation, and chicken and roast beef with green beans for the dads. The food was catered by GNA Caterer.
9 year old Kate Johnson said, “The most exciting thing about tonight was the slow dance with my dad!” Kate’s dad, David Johnson, stated that this was their second year attending the dance, and they will be back again next year.
Another dad mentioned, “We come bring our daughters here because they can enjoy themselves!”
Jeff Kostro, a father of three beautiful daughters, stated, “I’ve been bring my girls to this dance for 10 years now, and it just keeps getting better every year!” Jeff’s daughter Faith, who is ten years old, explained, “I have came here to this dance my whole life, and it’s important to me.” The chicken dance was Faith’s favorite song of the night.
Danielle Wilson has worked for the Parks Department for two years in various departments and the office. She stated, “I love to see the dads and girls all dressed up. It is the most fun, and seeing them enjoy it too! We have gotten a lot of positive comments and feed back about the dance which is always nice to hear.”
The Parks Department plans to have the dance again next year and is hoping for a good turn out of the upcoming Mother/Son Dance.