The girls didn't waste any time hitting the dance floor at Sunday's Immaculate Conception School Father-Daughter Dance.
Some danced - at one point forming a train - while others showed off their hula-hoop skills or hit balloons between each other. Off the dance floor, the girls helped themselves to an expansive snack bar or had their pictures taken in a photo area.
It was the dads who were the wallflowers, at least at first, content at first to hang back and chat with each other. Eventually, they too started making their way to the dance floor amid the pumping music and balloons.
The annual event typically draws around 50 dads and another 50 daughters, organizer Lynn Schmitz said.
"It's just really a joy to watch the girls come dressed up with their dads," she said.
The school's Home and School Association holds the event annually in the school cafeteria. Brad Schrimpf served as the deejay. A different mother-son event is also held annually, Schmitz said.
"I think it just creates fellowship for the other dads to get to know each other," she said.
For Matt Berkey, it's been a tradition for him to bring his five daughters over the years. On Sunday, he brought Frankie, 8, his youngest. He said he enjoys chatting with the other dads, while having refreshments and bonding with his daughter.
Kyle Stevens brought Piper, his daughter who attends kindergarten at the school.
"Ever since they announced the dance, she's looked forward to it," he said. "She does ballet dancing. This is her thing."
Joe Blume worked up a sweat with daughter Mary, 6, on the dance floor. "It's her first time at the event. She wanted to come," he said. His stepdaughter, Shyla Chilton, also was at the event.
Blume said they were having a great time.
"They grow up too quick," he said.