The guests will be fewer, but there will still be plenty of dancing at Gainesville Parks and Recreation’s 21st annual Daddy Daughter Dances.

Girls of all ages and the important men in their lives can gather at the Gainesville Civic Center, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, tickets are limited and must be purchased before the event. No walk-ins will be allowed this year and only 150 guests can attend per night.

For city residents, admission costs $50 per pair and $17.50 for additional siblings. Those who don’t live in the city must pay $60 per pair and $21 for additional siblings.

The dances will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, through Friday, March 26. Each night caters to a different age group of girls.

• Tuesday, March 23: Sixth grade and older

• Wednesday, March 24: Fourth and fifth grade

• Thursday, March 25: Second and third grade

• Friday, March 26: Pre-K and first grade

The theme this year will be “Poseidon's Palace,” featuring turquoise blue and gold with treasure chests and sea life. The night will include dinner, a raffle, professional photos, dancing and a souvenir cup for all guests.
“Our focus has always been to provide as many opportunities as possible to bring families and friends together,” Julie Butler Colombini, marketing and communications manager at Gainesville Parks and Recreation, said.

The Daddy Daughter Dances serves as a special occasion for girls to dance the evening away with their dad, grandfather, uncle, step-dad, godfather or family friend. 

Maura Ostrander said she has attended the dance with her father on 11 different occasions over the past 13 years. As the event approaches, she said she looks forward to having a nice time with her dad and seeing familiar faces at the Civic Center.

“I know that I am so grateful for the memories I’ve made through the years at the dances, and I am sure many others in the community are as well,” she said.

People can purchase tickets at the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center or online. The deadline for securing admission is 5 p.m. Friday, March 19.

For more information, visit gainesville.org/384/Parks-Recreation or Gainesville Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page.