By Katie Hurley
About this time every year, talk among young girls all over town turns to hair styles, manicures, party dresses and tiaras as preparations get underway for the 12th Annual Father Daughter Dance at Capital High School. For many girls, age 3 and older and their father figures, this event is a fixture on the family calendar.
The 12th Annual Father Daughter Dances at Capital High School will be held on two nights – Saturday, January 25 and Saturday, February 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ‘Under the Sea’ is the theme, and the event will feature craft activities, dancing, entertainment and hot fudge sundaes donated by Baskin-Robbins.
Each year, the CHS Junior Class and parent volunteers hold the dance to fund the next year’s senior party as well as college scholarships for CHS graduates. This is the only fundraiser for the group’s senior party, a stay-sober event for the class to celebrate their graduation.
Event co-organizer Amy Peters, parent of two Capital High School students, will be assisted by parent volunteers and 20-30 CHS juniors dressed up in their finest formals for the evening. “This is THE dance to go to,” says Peters. “It makes the girls feel like princesses.”
For Dan Murray, father of girls in second and eighth grades as well as a high school junior, this event has become an annual ritual. Murray hasn’t missed a single Father Daughter Dance, and this year will be no exception. Of the eleven consecutive Father Daughter Dances he has attended, Murray says, “As I went to the dance each year I recognized a few more of the dads, and we would hang out while the kids danced.”
Murray recognizes that it isn’t just the fathers and daughters who benefit. “It’s nice to spend special time with your daughter while helping to support the students and their senior party at the same time.”
A special dinner will make the Father Daughter date even more memorable. For dining on a budget, consider a candlelight dinner at home served by mom, brothers or other family members. Invite some other fathers and daughters to join the dinner and attend the dance together, and let the girls help choose the menu.
If you plan to dine out, your princess will have fun making her own pizza at i.talia Pizzeria, and you’ll find plenty of menu options that will please dad as well. For a great burger, try Iron Rabbit Restaurant. Other restaurants near Capital High School with kids’ menus include Tugboat Annie’s, Panera Bread, and Red Robin.
For dinner that doubles as entertainment, Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse is hard to beat. Plan a little extra time for dining at Fujiyama, and if you have a large group you’ll definitely want a reservation. Aya Sushi offers a wide selection of Korean and Japanese favorites and an upscale atmosphere.
Tickets are $35 per couple and $15 for each additional daughter and can be purchased online. The dances usually sell out, so don’t wait long to get your tickets. Professional photos will also be available to purchase at the dance, and raffle tickets to win great prizes will be on sale as well.
12th Annual Father Daughter Dance
January 25 and February 1
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Norwood Commons at Capital High School
2707 Conger Ave. NW, Olympia
