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It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. They could all dress up, go out to eat, and then attend the dance. The idea: Fathers could set an example for their daughters as to how a man should treat them.
This idea caught on in a really big way.
As more fathers and daughters wanted to attend throughout the city and soon the region, the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance moved from the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church eventually to the James H. Rainwater Conference Center. Soon, it outgrew even one dance, so that organizers split the evening into two shifts based on age categories. Then, two nights of two shifts each. Thousands of tickets are sold each year.
The dance has attracted much attention from other locales as out-of-town and out-of-state organizations call local organizers for advice on developing their versions of the father-daughter dance. The Valdosta dance has been featured in a past issue of Southern Living magazine. It is no wonder that the idea is such a success.
In this day and age when so many events have parents scrambling for babysitters and spending another evening away from their children, the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance embraces the concept of spending the evening out with one’s child or children.
The beauty of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance is not so much that it is a social event, which it is. But the beauty of the dance is it is a family event.
What We Think
Fathers teaching daughters
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. -
Furloughs: They beat the alternative
As summer break nears, many area education boards have spent the final school days preparing faculty and staff for furloughs for the 2012-13 calendar.
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Getting a jump on hurricane season
Come June 1, the 2012 hurricane season begins and lasts through Nov. 30.
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A few thoughts for new graduates
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Video helps veterans
During Thursday night’s Military Officers Association of America meeting, the local chapter shared a video presentation regarding the Community Blueprint program, which is also known as Valdosta Veterans First.
For those unfamiliar with Community Blueprint, Valdosta is one of three cities across the nation selected as a pilot city for the program. -
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother. Mama. Mommy. Ma. Mom. She fed us when we were too small to feed ourselves. She nurtured us, clothed us, cleaned us, protected us.
She helped us form our first words. - More What We Think Headlines
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
