‘Hockinson Goes Hollywood’ for Father Daughter Ball

“Hockinson Goes Hollywood” was the theme of the Father Daughter Ball hosted by Elim Lutheran Church on May 14 at the Clark County Square Dance Center.

The ball was conceived two years ago when the church was looking for a fundraiser to replace the roof of their community hall. The first dance was held in the community hall, and brought in the funds to complete the project. 

The event was so successful that even after the roof had been replaced, the church decided to continue hosting it. 

“We looked around at what we could do for outreach,” said organizer Erica Vossler, and the dance seemed like a perfect fit. “We have a lot of little girls” in the church, she added. 

On this particular Saturday night, fathers and daughters enjoyed an evening of festivities, with dancing, refreshments and games. If a dad couldn’t come, a grandfather, uncle or friend might step in to be his daughter’s date for the night.

“It’s a special event for dads to be with their daughters,” said Vossler. 

Guests were greeted by a pink super-stretch limousine with a party-ready interior, and a red carpet and paparazzi at the entrance. 

Pastor Steve Smevack was “security” at the door, decked out in a tuxedo. 

“Little girls are so tickled to have their daddies all to themselves,” he said. He recalled the theme song “Let it go” from the movie “Frozen” playing, and every little girl knew every word and sang it at the top of their lungs, he said, laughing.

Smevack sees how much pleasure it brings both fathers and daughters. 

“I think dads do stuff for their daughters they wouldn’t do for anyone else in the world,” he said.

Vossler credits their returning disc jockey, Patrick Dixon, with getting everyone out onto the dance floor and having fun. At a past dance, he had everyone doing the “Macarena,” she said. One dad said it was like a high school dance, “only fun.”

It’s a night full of dance music that makes you want to get up and move, along with crafts, snacks like fresh fruit and a chocolate fountain, games and contests, and of course fancy drinks – Shirley Temples for the kids and root beer for dad. A photographer was on hand to take a portrait of each dad and daughter, or daughters. 

The daughters ranged from toddlers to teens. Girls were decked out in party dresses, with curls and bows and sparkles in their hair. Some dads had their hands full in the date department, with up to four young ladies to entertain for the evening.

Dads seemed primed for night of dancing. Alex Gardner, with his daughter Athena Gardner, age 6, said they had been practicing by playing the game Just Dance 2015. Tayla Rawlings, age 5, came with her father, Paul Rawlings. 

“We’re gonna cut a rug!” said Paul.

The dance was in its third year, and the church plans to continue offering the special night for the community. 

“It’s pretty unforgettable,” said Vossler. “I haven’t ever had anyone come who didn’t say this was the coolest thing, thank you for doing that.”