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Aroostook Republican Photo/ Theron Larkins Brian Pelletier and his daughter Aubrey, dance in the middle of the pack at Saturday’s 32nd annual Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance, at the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center. |
By Theron Larkins
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Saturday night saw a packed Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center as the site for the 32nd annual Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance. The dance has become a Valentine’s Day tradition for the town, but due to the predicted heavy snowfall starting on Friday the dance would inevitably be postponed. Despite the delay fathers and their daughters came to dance like it was still Feb. 14th, and celebrate this special night.
Music for the dance was provided by Music X-press, who played a variety of new music, while also mixing in some Valentine’s Day classics to remind everyone what the dance was all about. There were also photos being taken for those who wished to purchase a remembrance from the evening. Photography by Duane, a local photography business was there to capture the special moment between father and daughter.
Before announcing the winner of some of the early drawings in a series that would be won throughout the night, head of the Caribou Recreation Center, Karen Mazzuchelli made a special announcement to the large crowd.
“We don’t like having to postpone events, especially important events like this, but we’re proud to announce that over 425 people have come out to the dance tonight!,” said Mazzuchelli.
One of the big prizes handed out on Saturday was an Xbox 360 Kinect, which was donated by former Caribou resident Chris Pelletier. Pelletier, who Mazzuchelli said, was a former employee for the Caribou Parks and Recreation Dept., now works for Microsoft.
“He continually remembers his roots and offers numerous donations throughout the year,” said Mazzuchelli.
The Xbox 360 prize also included a free copy of Angry Birds, which all the girls were hoping to go home with. The lucky winner of the dance’s grand prize Xbox package was Caroline Brown, of Caribou. Caroline was at the dance with her father Travis and younger sister Laurel.
With well over 400 father-daughter couples braving the inclement weather to attend the dance, the gym was packed and rocking all the way up until the last slowdance was shared between those who had the stamina to last for the entire two hours. The night ended with Music X-press playing Bob Carlisle’s classic father-daughter song “Butterfly Kisses,” which ended the dance and the night on a fitting note.
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| Aroostook Republican Photo/Theron Larkins A number of prizes were drawn during Caribou’s 32nd annual Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance Saturday night. One of the big winners on the evening was Caroline Brown, of Caribou. Caroline, at left, poses with her brand new Xbox Kinect, while her sister, Laurel, joins in the photo. Caroline and Laurel were in attendance Saturday with their father Travis. |
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| Aroostook Republican Photo/ Theron Larkins Rudy St. Peter and his daughter Abby, at right, slow dance, while Ben Fields spins and twirls his daughter Caitlin, as they make their way to the exit after an exciting night of dancing at the 32nd annual Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance, on Saturday. |
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| Aroostook Republican Photo/Theron Larkins Dave McIntyre stands with his daughter, Emmie, at right, and her friend Emma Butler during the last dance of the night, at the 32nd annual Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance, on Saturday. The dance was originally scheduled for Valentine’s Day, as is traditional, but due to inclement weather it had to be postponed until the next night. The delay had no effect on the night’s turnout, however, as over 400 fathers and daughters came out to dance the night away, or at least the duration of the dance’s two-hours of allotted time. |
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| Aroostook Republican Photo/ Theron Larkins Naveah Trombley and her father Shawn, dance during the final slow song of the night, at this year’s Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance. |
