Father/Daughter Dance a special "first date"

It's that time of year again. The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department presents its eighth annual Father/Daughter Dance: A Night in Candyland on Saturday.

Nothing is more endearing than seeing a father and daughter enjoying an evening together -- an evening when she has Daddy's full attention. Add fancy attire, dancing, food and a photograph to capture the moment, and it's what fairy tales -- and memories -- are made of.

This is one of our favorite events. Throughout the years, the Southeast Missourian has covered the Father/Daughter Dance and posted photographs of smiling daughters and doting dads candidly caught in one another's glances. Families need more of this, daughters especially. As dads and daughters of all ages are welcome, this is, for some, the "first date" a girl ever has. As such, it has the honor of serving as her first lesson of how a young lady should be treated -- like the princess she was created to be. How wonderful it would be if every daughter could feel so cherished and celebrated and then never settle for less.

The dance takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Osage Centre. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Arena Building or Osage Centre (cash or check only) or on the day of the event. For more information, call (573) 339-6340.

Fathers, we cannot encourage you enough to take your daughter to this worthwhile event. Before you know it, your girl may be dancing with someone else, so grab a hold of every dance you can, while you can. And please note, she will not be the only one who has a good time. History tells us that you, too, will enjoy the festivities -- probably more than she will.