Daddy Daughter Dance sees more couples than ever

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Fathers and daughters were treated to a special event full of photos, games food and last but not least, dancing galore last Friday at the Maryville Community Center.

The Maryville Parks and Recreation Daddy Daughter Dance saw more father-daughter couples than ever before, said Special Event and Marketing Manager Jordyn Swalley.

“We had 280 couples,” she said. “It’s really great.”

The event started in 2004 with 21 couples, “It’s skyrocketed since,” Swalley said.

Last Friday, many fathers found themselves without a ticket to share the special night with their daughters,

Swalley said that happens every year, “because the girls will talk at school to see who is going to the dance and then talk to their dads about it very last minute.”

However, it may behoove dads to get their ticket early next year. Swalley said they’re considering the possibility of capping the amount of tickets available.

“There’s only so much chaos that you can control before it’s not fun for everyone who attends,” Swalley said.

“We really want them to register early so we can have enough fund to buy enough corsages and food.”

Speaking of food, she said this year the ticket price increased and MPR wanted to make sure the attendees had a good experience, so the food was upgraded. Appetizers were available as well as cookies and drinks.

For the past 13 years, Swalley said they offered cookies and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

“I don’t know any kids who don’t like cheese quesadillas and pizza rolls,” she said. “This year we tried something different.”

Recalling previous years, Swalley said they used to hold a Hula hoop contest, however, it took most of the dance to complete the competition. This year it was decided to offer several side games, spread out around the gym offering prizes, such as plastic glasses, candy and toys. From Tic-Tac-Toe to a puzzle table and “Plink-O” style game, girls lined up to partake in all the festivities.

“I’m excited to see the survey results,” Swalley said. “We want to always be improving this program.”