The theme was the 50s back when I escorted my two daughters to a Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance.

I am blessed with two daughters who I have cheered for at sporting events, taken pictures of at proms, waited up for until curfew, and sent off to college. But one of my fondest memories is of a father/daughter dance I was able to escort them to when a date with dad beat out a night with anyone else.

Lake Oswego dads (and granddads) get a chance to create those kinds of memories this Saturday, March 10 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the West End Building at a Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance sponsored by the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department. With a fairy tale theme, organizers are expecting lots of princesses to show up escorted by their knights in shining armor, most likely dressed in semi-formal wear.

Highlights include doing the Macarena and competing in a Limbo contest. “It’s always fun to see the dads and daughters dance together,” explains Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Events Coordinator, Jamie Inglis, “especially when their dads don’t know how to dance to Katie Perry.” The DJ shows mercy on the men in the group by throwing in a few oldies but goodies as well as classics like Frank Sinatra.

Lake Oswego fireman David Morris is looking forward to his fourth Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance with his now nine year old daughter, Avery. She is a two-time Limbo champion and enjoys the bubble machine, having her photograph taken, getting all dressed up with friends and the dessert bar. “For Dads, it’s a lot of fun,” Morris explains. “It’s something special just you and your daughter get to do together and bond.” He realizes the opportunities for such outings are numbered, so “I’m taking as much advantage of it as I can,” he adds.

Having been there, done that, I know about that window of opportunity that Morris is capitalizing on and encourage other local dads to do the same.

Be sure to register early as the event fills up. Price is per pair. Ages 3 and up. $50 for residents; $55 for non-residents. Each additional daughter: $15 for residents; $17 for non-residents.  For information or to register call 503-675-2549 or go the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation website. The West End Building is located at 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego, OR.

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