Once upon an ‘Enchanted’ eve

The sixth annual event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. for girls from kindergarten through eighth grade and the father figure in their lives.

“It’s going to be a great time and it’s always fun to look around and see all those daughters and their fathers smiling,” said Daniel Kittleson, recreation coordinator for the park district.

He said, once inside the ballroom, with its floor to ceiling windows and sweeping views, girls will be able to make a princess hat, decorated with glitter and ribbons, and a crown for her date, who can be also be a guardian, uncle or family friend.

The ‘Enchanted’ room will look like something straight out of a fairy tale, said Kittleson, including a make-believe tree with glass leaves that will serve as the backdrop for photographs. “It’s like a little kids’ prom — it’s a complete dress-up event,” he said.

The cost for the magical evening is $30 per couple and $10 for each additional daughter. Tickets will be sold at the door or can be purchased via credit or debit card by visiting the parks district office, 414 Washington St., or calling 541-296-9533.

Kittleson said the district decided to host the annual event because it was something that had proven popular across the nation.

It has also been well received in Wasco County with 295 participants last year.

The purpose of the Daughter Daddy Dance is to promote bonding between a girl and her male mentor.

By forging a strong bond with a male in her life, psychologists say the girl will be more likely to develop healthy relationships later in life that are respectful and loving.

“It’s become a huge thing all around and we just kind of wanted to keep up with the times,” said Kittleson.

The dance, while centered on folklore, will be absent the wicked step-mothers, evil queens and wizards, fiery dragons, bad-tempered ogres, malicious ravens, gnarled trees, and other scary things common to books and movies. Refreshments served at the dance include finger sandwiches, a meat and cheese platter and cupcakes for dessert.

A variety of activities have been planned for the evening, such as musical chairs and a dance competition.

“We are totally going to blow this out of the park,” promised Kittleson.

He said the event is made possible through a partnership with these businesses: Kay Jewelers, JD Smith Jewelers, Downey Furniture, Griffith Motors, Casa El Mirador, Rivertap, Double Berry, West Wind Frame Gallery, Forget Me Not Photos, DJ Randy Haines, and Four C’s Catering