Special memories were made at Fairmont School’s second annual Father Daughter Dance on the evening of Friday, April 28.

The gymnasium transformed into a dance floor, as children who donned crowns and spring dresses were accompanied by fathers for a moment to remember.

Dinner, dancing, and a raffle were some of the highlights captured throughout the evening.

“It’s pretty much based on just trying to get more dads or male figures involved in the school,” said Bethany Gallegos, president of the Family and Community Involvement Committee. “We know that a lot of people don’t have dads or they’re in foster care, so we open it up to anybody that’s [age] 18 or older that’s a responsible adult to bring their children.”

The event drew a crowd as Gallegos greeted each guest arriving in their spring dresses.

“We call them princesses,” she said.

The gymnasium was equipped with all the necessities to create a special moment for dad and their daughters. A dance floor was set up, dance music was blaring, balloons were floating and each table was decorated with an ornate centerpiece and tablecloth. Cameras were flashing as guests stood in line for pictures to be taken, while others enjoyed food between bits of conversation.

James Johnson and his 4-year-old daughter, Skylar, enjoyed their evening together.

“I’m actually excited to see there’s many good dads out here with their daughters,” James said. “I’m glad to see there’s a lot of people here. It’s very encouraging.”

James said he definitely saw the merit in hosting the dance.

“I think it’s just a lot more events need to be geared toward the dads with their daughters,” he said. “More events... Like that or even just [being] with your kids, period, I think is important.”

“If the dads going to be there, I think some of the events they don’t go to because they’re geared more towards the women,” he said. “That’s just by nature. Women do women things. Men do men things.”

James said he sees great meaning in being there for his daughter.

“I think it’s important for the development,” he said. “You need people in your [life.]”

Another attendee, Delariette Williams said he’s glad he decided to drop in for an evening of fun with his daughters.

“I like that my daughter’s are spending a moment with me, so they can always remember. I’ll always be a part of their life—taking them to school and doing their hair and getting the ready for the morning and feeding them,” he said. “It’s a process just to have fun with them.”

Delariette’s 6-year-old daughter, Tanari Williams said her favorite part of spending time with her dad is dancing.

This year was the Williams’ second time attending the Father Daughter Dance.

“The most important thing is to protect our daughters,” Delariette said. “We [are] losing them in so many different areas. So, it’s just important for me just to be right here for them. I don’t want to lose them. I want to see them progress better than me and they mother.”

Last year, roughly 100 people took part in the festivities. Gallegos said an estimated 150 to 160 guests arrived this time around, and she credited the growth of the event to word of mouth.

“I think that maybe, because the girls were excited last year, which carried over to this year,” she said. “They might’ve went back and talked their friends and said, ‘hey, we had a lot of fun.’ So, when the fliers went out, they wanted to come this year, too.”

“They love it.”