The annual fairy wonderland that is The Thomasville Thomas County Father Daughter Dance is being held Saturday, February 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Deep South Fair Grounds.

In order to put together a memorable event for the girls, board members and volunteers have been working tirelessly year-round to provide the magical moments that ticket holders have come to expect.

“I can’t count the number of hours our dedicated team has put into making it even more special than last year’s,” said Tamela LeSuer, president of the organization. 

Last year’s dance drew 900 fathers, grandfathers, father figures and girls who ranged from three to adult. LeSuer expects the same number this year.

On deck to delight the girls are the unicorn ponies, fairy princesses spreading glitter throughout the night, Snow White, Cinderella, and non-stop dance music compliments of DJs to Go. When the daddies need more energy, there will be tables of beverages, light bites and sweet treats from many of the local restaurants, groceries, bakeries, and sub shops.

“We also will have a photo booth, and a professional photographer who will offer photo packages to ticket holders,” said LeSuer.

Each purchased ticket of $15 also buys a chance at small prizes raffled during the evening.   

Red raffle tickets are $5.. Some of the red raffle prizes this year include a bicycle, a set of luggage, a desk from Ashley Furniture, and a portrait photography sitting. Complimentary gift baskets are also available for the girls.

Additional red raffle tickets of $5 each may be purchased at the door.

Ticket prices have remained the same as last year’s price as it was important to board members to keep the cost down for families to afford the evening.

“We wanted as many families as possible to enjoy this event,” LeSuer said.

And the participation is county-wide as ticket buyers are coming from Thomasville, Pavo, Cairo and Boston.  

“The draw to this event crosses over all economic, social, and racial lines here in the county,” LeSuer said.  “We welcome everyone, and view this as a familial celebration for the daughters they love.”

The popularity of this event since 2013 has prompted the Board to incorporate as the Thomasville Thomas County Father Daughter Dance, Inc., and last year obtained its non-profit status.

Along with its newly-approved status, the Board has adopted a revised mission statement that focuses on supporting efforts that educate and inspire positive relationships among daughters, fathers and father figures.

Community Liaison Joan Ellis said board members felt strongly about refocusing the mission for the health, social growth and education of the county’s daughters.

“It is important for our organization to be inclusive at every turn,” said Ellis. “Our goal is to support the growth of our daughters to be role models for the next generation.”

The money that will be raised Saturday evening will be earmarked for next year’s dance, and for gifting or grants to exceptional young ladies in our county.  

Ellis said the Thomasville Thomas County Father Daughter Dance, Inc. will reach out to the YMCA, churches, schools and civic organizations and urge them to submit an application for remarkable young ladies or specific projects they are developing that meet the non-profit’s mission.

Online applications and rules will be active on the Father Daughter website and on its Facebook page in approximately one month from February 8.

“We are excited to pay it forward in the community and urge interested parties to download the application as soon as it is online,” LeSuer said. “We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to helping individuals or organizations in projects which help girls grow into responsible adults and role models.”  

If You Go:

The Father Daughter Dance is being held at The Deep South Fairgrounds, 2057 GA-122, Thomasville GA 31757, Saturday February 8, 6-9 p.m.  Tickets may be purchased by clicking on the Thomasville Thomas County Father Daughter Dance, Inc. Facebook page. Tickets are available at the door that evening. Lighted parking at the Fairgrounds is free.