Disney magic on tap for dads, daughters in Elgin
After a year off, Elgin's annual Daddy Daughter Dance is back for 2022.
The traditionally sold-out event will run for two nights, Feb. 25 and 26, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. It will feature a buffet-style dinner, dancing, a raffle drawing for an American Girl doll and prizes for dads.
The themed dance will celebrate Princess Merida from Disney's Brave. Community Resources Coordinator Fred Wimms said they're working hard to create a “magical” experience in the Heritage Ballroom inside the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin.
“The movie is set inside the castle and in the forest. So you can expect a lot of stone, green, Keltic patterns and crests,” he said. “And we've got a big surprise in store too.”
The event will also feature a photo booth, goody bags and kid-friendly catering, including decorated cookies by Herb's Bakery. While it's not a masquerade ball, masks are required when not eating or drinking.
Girls aged 2-17 and their dads or parental figure are invited. Tickets are $40 per couple and additional kids are $15 each. Spots are limited and can be purchased online or at the front desk of the Centre of Elgin. No tickets will be sold at the door.
And thanks to the generosity of one city employee, two pairs of dads and daughters will be able to attend for free.
After hearing about the event, city of Elgin purchasing officer Daina DeNye offered to pay for two couples who otherwise might not be able to attend.
“I just want to make a little girl's (and the father's) day special,” DeNye said. “There might be a parent that just can't afford it. They deserve it.”
City communications manager Molly Gillespie said that the city will hold a drawing for the two pairs of tickets. Dads (or guardians/parental figures) who would like to attend but may not have the means are asked to send a photo of the adult and child along with their names in a private message to the city's Facebook page by the end of the day Tuesday, Jan. 11. Winners will be selected at random on Jan. 12. Those not on Facebook can email Gillespie at gillespie_m@cityofelgin.org.