Sugary confections and sparkly gowns mark the coming of the 2023 Father-Daughter Ball. With a “candy land” theme, the ball this year will feature candy striped poles, a popcorn corner, and giant boxes of “theater candy”. The annual event is a special time for fathers and their daughters to connect and make memories. It emphasizes the important role a father plays in his daughter’s life.
Girls will receive tickets to put in a raffle drawing for gift baskets. Party favors will be given out, and dancing will include the ever-popular limbo and a beach ball toss. A photo booth will be an opportunity to capture the memorable night on film.
The Two Harbors Father-Daughter Ball was founded in 2008. Many fathers from First Baptist Church in Two Harbors took their daughters to the Duluth Father-Daughter Ball, held then at the Greysolon Plaza. First Baptist’s Deacon chairman at the time, Jerry Lehman, wondered, “Why couldn’t we put one of these in Two Harbors?”
The rest of the board kind of laughed at the thought of a Baptist church putting on a dance, according to Pastor Scott Nelson, but they decided to give it a try. Lehman recruited Kelly Sweatt as co-leader, and with the help of many volunteers, the Two Harbors Father-Daughter Ball was inaugurated. Pastor Scott Nelson says, “It worked very well.”
Over the years, leadership of the ball has changed, but the volunteer group remained strong. The number of attendees has skyrocketed, reaching two sold-out nights of 450 attendees. The venue has changed over the years as well, from Lakeview Castle, to Superior Shores, and now this year back at Lakeview Castle, now called Clearwater Grille.
This year’s Two Harbors Father-Daughter Ball will be held on February 18th, starting at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available at https://firstbaptistth.yapsody.com/event/index/754145/ 2023-father-daughter-ball/31500965
