April 1st, a day normally marked by pranks and gags, instead marked for some girls and their dads the 2023 Father Daughter Ball. The Bay Area Vineyard Church has hosted the ball for approximately 14 years. A few of the Silver Bay’s Father Daughter Ball’s trademarks have always included a fancy dinner, a chocolate fountain, lots of dancing, and sparkly tiaras; all of which were available again at this year’s event.
Volunteers transformed the Mary MacDonald gym into a ballroom that was “truly magical and unexpected.” 8-foot curtain lights were hung from the walls, and icicle lights were suspended from the basketball hoops. Artificial trees were brought into the gym to break up the space and give the room a more intimate feel. “It’s a lot of work but absolutely worth the effort to create such a special evening for dads and daughters of all ages,” says Katelyn Goutermont, who headed up this year’s ball.
The doors to the ball opened at 5:30 p.m., and girls and dads began filtering into the ballroom; the girls dressed up in formal attire and ball gowns. Girls had the opportunity to pick out a souvenir tiara, and Sarianne Sve offered professional photos.
At 6 p.m., dinner was served; this year’s menu consisted of meatballs, chicken, corn, and other sides. A chocolate fountain had an accompanying fruit bar, and cupcakes were on each table.
After dinner came dancing to songs both old and new. DJs Mark Russell and John Persons kept things fun and light with dad jokes, prize giveaways, and the ever popular Chicken Dance.
Following a time of dancing, an ice cream sundae bar was made available, and girls and dads alike enjoyed the sticky, sugary treat. More dancing and another prize giveaway rounded out the night.
Goutermont’s favorite part of the evening is “watching dads step out of their comfort zones a bit in order to share a dance with their daughter.” It was indeed a night for the girls to remember; the special time with their dads, invaluable. Thank you to the volunteers who made the ball possible. Watch for next year’s ball at https://www.facebook.com/FatherDaughterBallSilverBay .
