BARRHEAD – There has been a magical event happening for eight years that celebrates the bond between Dads and Daughters creating a milestone moment in their relationship.
The Daddy Daughter Ball is organized by Darren Michalczuk, a teacher and dad himself.
“We invited dads to dress up and to treat their daughter like they were princesses,” said Michalczuk.
“To be honest it's been a fantastic experience. I've had dads tell me this is the best memory.”
Some of the girls have not seen their father in two years whether from families breaking up or other situations and the Daddy Daughter Ball was the reason they got back together.
“There are a million feel-good stories,” said Michalczuk.
The next annual Daddy Daughter Ball is planned for Sept. 13 at the Perryvale Community Hall from 5 to 7 p.m.
The cost is $35, $25 for dad and $10 per daughter. Reservations can be made by email with Michalczuk at [email protected]
In past events there have been between 75 and 100 attendees.
The primary goal of the event is to foster positive relationships and provide a safe, fun environment for families to connect.
What happens during this spectacular evening for Dads and Daughters?
As the Daddy Daughter duos enter the event, they are greeted by singers setting the mood for their special evening.
Cherise McLean has been the singer at the last few events and this year the singers will be Danielle Teering with Myah and Rhea and Nicole Schweer.
A light meal is provided where the dads serve their princess daughters, doting on their every need.
Special consideration was given to what food to serve so that the princess dresses would not get ruined at the start of the evening.
Games are played with just the dads to the delight of their princesses and then fun games for princesses fill the event with smiles and laughter. The dads deliver roses to their special girls and there is dancing, including some line dance lessons where everyone has a great time.
Princesses can be any age, and several princesses have come year over year to the Daddy Daughter Ball.
Attendees have been as young as two years old and up to 15 years old, but any age is welcome.
Dads need to be over 18 years old and can be any father figure in their life.
Dads with more than one daughter can bring all their princesses to the event.
They can dot on all their daughters or bring an uncle or other male family member to help cater to the princesses.
A photographer is present to capture all the magic of the evening.
Women family members are not on the invite list.
The event is intended to be princess focused, and Dads don’t want to miss out on a moment, so cell phones are not allowed according to Michalczuk.
The evening closes with an ice cream treat.
“I'm not into making money, this is just something I do for fun,” said Michalczuk.
The first event was held in Westlock, and it has spread to Athabasca and the Barrhead community for dads and daughters who attend.
This is the ninth year of the Daddy Daughter ball and any dad who wants to spoil his daughter(s) with attention can contact Michalczuk to get registered.
