“Princess for a Knight” was an appropriate regal theme for the 11th annual Father Daughter Dance, presented by the St. Mary’s Catholic Church parish. It was held on a snowy, Friday, April 8, 2016, at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 13220 Garden Plain Road, Morrison, IL. Young ladies invite their favorite escort–father, grandfather, uncle, or brother. Planned for girls in Junior High and younger, each year the Father Daughter Dance grows in attendance, but this year’s event may be a huge draw.
Nine-year-old Brooklynn Knouse, of Morrison, attended with her step-father, Ray Darsidan. “We’ve been coming a long time now. Its a very popular event,” he said. Parishoner Lana Nugent is shown surrounded by raffle baskets.
Connie Helms stated, “We never know how many are coming[, but] we think tonight is going to be a record breaker. We’ve heard a lot of new people are coming [and] lots of princesses.” She was correct that the theme appealed to the girls. With a nod to “Frozen’s” Princess Elsa, turquoise dresses and floor-length gowns were numerous; tiaras were quite evident. “A lot of new people, men and women, have been asking about [the dance.] The word is getting out.”
Chad Huizenga brought his aqua-clad daughters Maddy, five, and Leah, three. Their mother, Myra, styled the girls’ hair with beautiful braids and curls pinned into top-knots. Many princesses had been treated to loving hair designs.
Beginning at 6:30 girls and escorts formed a line to have individual or group pictures taken by Steve Siefken, well-known Morrison photographer. He captures the evening in a keepsake 4″ x 6″ photograph. These can be picked up Monday, April 11, at Fitzgerald Pharmacy, 124 E. Main Street, Morrison.
Music was supplied by Trent Bush from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. He noted, “I’m the same DJ I was last year. There are a few new songs, I’m sure. The exciting part is to see what the girls [will like.]” Daughter Clara, 12, is his able assistant. “She’s well practiced. She helps me set up and tear down.” He announced, “We’ll start the dance in earnest [soon]; photos will be taken throughout the night. You can buy raffle tickets here; the refreshments are in the back.”
Bridie Bartnicki, left, filled cups with slushy pink punch. Helms explained it is “Renee Temple’s recipe from the Morrison Athletic Boosters Cookbook. We use it every year! All the church ladies” baked cookies, brownies, and cake pops. Pastel M&M’s in floral design were atop pretzels. Joan Vander Bleek made tiara, castle, and Cinderella’s slipper sugar cookies, iced in pink and white. There were crackers and plain pretzels, too. Pictured at the treats table are Fran Norman, center, and Jan Stuart, right.
Planning this popular spring event begins in January. Helms stated, “We have lots of good helpers. There are new members in the church, and they are helping. Nancy Anderson drove from Iowa. The Knights of Columbus set up the staging and put up the lights[, while the hall was decorated] last night. We love the Knights of Columbus!”
Money from the dances have funded a Blessed Mother statue, outdoor signage, and a storage building. Donations have been made to Morrison Community Unit District #6; the Summer School program; a pregnancy enter.
Twenty-five gift baskets full of surprises were raffled throughout the evening, donated and prepared by church members. Aleesya Fehrenbacher, below, of Morrison, attended with her father, Jordan. The eight-year-old had a plan to increase her chance of winning a particular item. She put several tickets into the same container.
