Father-Daughter Dance returns, memories made in Carlton

Photos by Tom Rivers

CARLTON – Nick Hollenbeck dances to “Twist and Shout” with his daughter Emma, age 7, during the Father-Daughter Dance this evening at the Carlton Rec Hall.

“We have fun dancing together,” Hollenbeck said. “”It’s something that is fun to do that is just for us.”

About 125 people attended the dance. Here the dads and daughters enjoy a slow dance together.

The event returned after a four-year absence. It was held at the Albion elementary school for nearly 20 years and always was held near Valentine’s Day.

Organizers from the Harvest Christian Fellowship church wanted to try the Carlton Rec Hall because it has a kitchen to cook pizzas and also offered a chance to decorate the day before the big dance.

Sharon and Matt Sugar have been the lead organizers for the dance since it started in 1998. Matt started the event when his daughters were young. This evening he was able to dance with his granddaughters.

Sharon Sugar said the church wants to make the event open to the community.

When the dance was at the school, more than 250 attended. Sugar said she expects the crowds will be bigger in the future.

“This is a rebuilding year,” she said. “So many of the dads said they are so excited to be back.”

People take a short break from dancing and try some of the pizza and snacks. The Rev. Tim Lindsay, center, is pastor of the Harvest Christian Fellowship. Tom Yockel of the Carlton Fire Department, right, helped serve the refreshments. He also attends Harvest Christian Fellowship.

Bert Mathes of Barre dances with his daughter Shania, age 16. Mathes also attended the dance with his daughter Adele, 12. Bert said he was happy to dress formally with his daughters for a fancy night out.

Photos by Bruce took portraits of the dads and daughters. Here, Jordan O’Connor of Spencerport poses with his daughters, Maeve, age 5, and Shea, age 3.