Post-Tribune |

Daddies, daughters share memorable evening in Dyer

DYER — Some family traditions begin early for little girls.

The recent, Daddy-Daughter Dance at Casa Maria Banquet Hall was one annual event that hundreds of young ladies will remember.

“This dance has been on our calendar every February for the past eight years,” said Dennis Ley of Dyer, as he settled his three daughters at a table. “We make a night of it. I take my girls to dinner first — always their choice, usually McDonalds.”

His daughters Alison, 3, Daniela, 6, and Katelyn, 10, couldn’t wait for Dad to take his coat off — they headed straight for the dance floor

“They are very independent little girls,” Ley laughed, as he watched the three siblings twist, turn and jump around to music played by local disc jockey DJ 2.

Sponsored by the Dyer Parks and Recreation Department, this year’s party included socialization among about 250 attendees, continuous music, snacks, a memento picture and a teddy bear to take home.

“This is great, coming to an event like this,” said John Spanier of Schererville, as he and daughter, Amanda, 9, worked the dance floor. “There aren’t that many chances to do something like this.”

Although the dads and daughters were the guests of honor, some of the moms also were present. But not as partygoers — they volunteered to manage the refreshment area.

“Today our little girls are princesses,” mom Cheryl Phillips said as she arranged carrots sticks and dip on one of the snack tables “The girls are so excited to be spending this special time with their dads.”

Scott Erickson of Dyer echoed that thought, as he danced with his daughter, Payton, 7. “It’s like she’s on a date with me,” he said.

The age criteria for the ladies was 12 and younger. And although the younger ones started out with as much energy as everyone else, that energy waned toward the end of the two-hour party.

This was evidenced by the many dads lifting their daughters into their arms for the last slow dances.

“I don’t mind picking them up,” said Ryan Zentz of Crown Point, as daughters Charlee, 5, and Kensley, 4 jumped into his arms. “This is a great time for us all.”

“I like dancing with my daddy. This is so much fun,” Kensley murmured as she nestled into Dad’s neck.

The first Daddy-Daughter Dance held in 2000 was offered to give little girls and their fathers an opportunity to spend quality time together, according to Andrea Daliege, director of Dyer Parks and Recreation. It soon developed into one of the most popular programs on the department’s yearly schedule.

“This event has grown in great proportion. We sell out every year,” Daliege said. “It’s such a special time to make memories for the girls and their dads.”

For more information about programs offered by Dyer Parks and Recreation, call (219) 865-2505.