The Portage Department of Parks and Recreation had another incredible Daddy Daughter Dance this year.
“This year we decided to sell tickets early, so moms could buy tickets for dads and their daughters," said Lori Wilkie, Assistant Superintendent of Parks and Program Coordinator, "We sold out in a month, and we sold 370 tickets total. This event provides great memories that last a lifetime for the dads and their daughters. After speaking with a few of our dads, they reminded us that these girls talk every day for a couple of weeks about how excited they are about this event. It’s a wonderful chance for the dads to spend time with their daughters.”
The event was had tables set up for dinner and a DJ with a light show. Halfway through the night, there was a balloon drop. The dads and girls could be seen playing with them the rest of the night. Everyone celebrated the event with cake and had a wonderful time.
Some dads were coming for the first time, others were seasoned pros.
“This is our fourth time,” said Eric Wood, “We come every year and she always makes me dance. This year she made me practice the Whip and Nae Nae. I’m not very good at it.”
“It's so big!’ his daughter, Zoey, said about the event. “I want to do the do-si-do and Whip and Nae Nae with my dad,” she added.
Father Chris Brown went with his daughter Chamiyah Brown. “I do everything with my kids,” he said. “I love to have fun with them.”
Chris Fox arrived with his 3-year-old daughter, Quinn, this year.
“I came to spend some time with my daughter,” he said. “Tonight was great. She really loved the balloons. We’re definitely planning to come back next year, and in two years, I’ll bring my twins too. They’re only 9 months now.”
Tatianna Otano had really been looking forward to the event, but her father had an emergency surgery. He’s fine now, but was not ready to attend the event.
“My sister asked me to step in,” said Bernardo Madrigal, Tatiana's Uncle, “She was very excited about tonight, and really wanted to come, so I stepped in for her dad.”