The Superhero Soirée invited guests in Lake Forest to step into a world of heroism and adventure for an event honoring the dynamic duo of fathers and daughters.
The Superhero Soirée – Daddy Daughter Dance was this year’s incarnation of the much loved annual daddy-daughter date night hosted by Lake Forest Parks & Recreation, which took place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Dickinson Hall, 100 East Old Elm Road in Lake Forest.
Lake Forest Parks & Recreation, program manager, Aaron Dalzot says every year they try to offer a new theme and in the recent past they’ve hosted a luau, a 1950’s themed dance and this year, with more female superheroes than ever before, a Superhero Soirée seemed like the right choice.
“It’s a fun chance for dads to dress up as villains or superheroes to complement their superhero daughters,” Dalzot said.
Dalzot says The Superhero Soirée included a daddy-daughter dance party with a DJ, limbo and hula hoop contests, face painting and light refreshments.
According to Dalzot, the event, generally held in February, is open to residents and non-residents.
Dickinson Hall, the Lake Forest Senior Center, was chosen as this year’s location, for its beautiful grand room.
“We want to create a night that dad and daughter will remember,” Dalzot said.
“Guest experience is key, and we are hopeful that those who come year after year are able to make new memories, and that brand new attendees will want to return,” Dalzot added.
Matt and McKenzie Signa of Lake Forest attended on Saturday.
“This is an important night for us, a chance for me to show her how she should be treated, holding the door open for her, getting all dressed up, it helps us set a standard for the future,” Signa said.
Ivan Martinez of Lake Forest says this was his first time attending a daddy-daughter dance.
“What could be better than having the chance to take my girls dancing, it just doesn’t get better than this,” Martinez said.
Dalzot says he attends with his daughter every year.
“It is necessary for us to have that special date night together, to focus on each other, especially when kids grow up so fast,” Dalzot said.
Andy Gallas of Lake Forest attended with his daughter, Nora.
“When we heard they were having a superhero soiree we went down to the basement and dusted off our costumes, and tonight we wore our costumes out to dinner before the dance, which caused quite a stir,” Gallas said.
“Kids will look back on this, so it is important for dads to lock in that memory because you blink your eyes and it’s gone,” Dalzot said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
