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The Helena Athletic Association hosted its annual Candyland Father/Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Helena Sports Complex, giving fathers and daughters in Helena the chance to come together for a night of fun and entertainment. (For the Reporter/Tracy Wood Franklin)

By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

HELENA – As music was played through the night and dance moves were put on, fathers and daughters from around the city of Helena came together for a night of fun and entertainment at the 2025 Helena Athletic Association Candyland Father/Daughter Dance.

The dance was held on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Helena Sports Complex, as girls in kindergarten through fifth grade were asked to bring their fathers for a night in “Candyland.” Those in attendance enjoyed music from a DJ, food trucks and much more, and all proceeds went towards the Helena Athletic Association.

Courtney Hale has overseen the dance for the last four years and expressed how proud she is of the increasing popularity that this event has had in the community, providing an eventful night every year around Valentine’s Day.

“It’s super fun because it’s gotten bigger every single year,” Hale said. “The girls have a great time. It’s a great opportunity for them to spend time with their dads and their granddads will sometimes bring them as well. They have a great time. They get dressed up, they dance, they eat, they have fun and every year we’re just hoping it grows even more.”

Hale inherited the “Candyland” theme when she took over as the organizer of the dance and decided to keep running with it, stating how much fun the girls have with their fathers for the night.

According to her, seeing all of the girls come to the dance decked out in fashionable accessories with smiles on their faces is the best part, as they know the night ahead of them will be remembered forever.

“Seeing all the girls come in and they’re all dressed up and they’re head to toe sequins, tiaras, the whole nine yards,” Hale said. “That’s the most fun part is just seeing all the dads and the daughters get dressed up and have a fun night out.”

With all of the money that is fundraised, the Helena Athletic Association puts it towards purchasing extra equipment for Helena students and athletes, as well as for different teams at the middle and high school levels, looking to improve their resources in any way possible.

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