Daddy & Me a sweet tradition

Silly contest — Jack "The Tongue" Karford and his daughter Madison "The Mouth," 7, try to out-silly Reagan "Bigger Mouth" Lenehan, 7, and her dad "Buck Teeth" Gerry, left to right, during the Daddy & Me dance on Friday night. Reached by phone afterward, Gerry Lenehan, who grew up in Cameron Park and now lives in Folsom, said he's been coming to El Dorado Hills CSD family events his entire life. "They know how to do it ... Last night was awesome." Photo by Whitney Kahn

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District’s 10th annual Daddy & Me Valentine Dance attracted more 150 daddies Friday night, each with his “best girl” at his side.

The father-daughter event has become a tradition in El Dorado Hills, and a great “dad date” opportunity for dads and daughters in the greater foothill community.

CSD Youth Recreation Supervisor Whitney Kahn helped get the party started, and reminisced about its humble beginnings 10 years ago. Early editions held in the Pavilion were sparsely attended, she recalled. Entertainment consisted of a boom box and a mix CD.

But Daddy & Me gradually caught on, said Kahn, and moved to the gym in 2008, plus or minus a year. The larger room required a DJ. The popular “air guitar” contest was added a couple of years later.

This year staff nixed the tables and chairs to encourage dancing and mingling. With the extra space, they created a craft area for the girls and, what turned out to be the hit of the night, a “silly photo” booth filled with over-the-top props.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the Daddy & Me tradition that each year’s dance closes with “Butterfly Kisses,” a slow song that gets even the most “gawkward” dads and daughters on the dance floor.

“This event is one I look forward to every year,” said Kahn. “It’s one of my favorite nights of the year.”

Daddy1

Silly contest — Jack “The Tongue” Karford and his daughter Madison “The Mouth,” 7, try to out-silly Reagan “Bigger Mouth” Lenehan, 7, and her dad “Buck Teeth” Gerry, left to right, during the Daddy & Me dance on Friday night. Reached by phone afterward, Gerry Lenehan, who grew up in Cameron Park and now lives in Folsom, said he’s been coming to El Dorado Hills CSD family events his entire life. “They know how to do it … Last night was awesome.” Photo by Whitney Kahn

Daddy2

Leah Feldman and Brynn Thomas, both 10, rock out with big hair, boas and a rockin’ guitar at the Daddy & Me Valentine Dance. Photo by Whitney Kahn

Daddy3

Mike and Samantha Hillhouse have some fun in the Daddy & Me air guitar contest. Samantha was daddy’s “guitar.” Photo by Whitney Kahn

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Posted by Mike Roberts on Feb 13 2012.
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