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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – Fathers and daughters were treated to an enchanting evening of quality time with desserts, music and dancing during the second annual Daddy Daughter Dance in Columbiana.

The second installment of the Columbiana Daddy Daughter Dance took place on Saturday, Feb. 8 in the Grande Hall at Old Mill Square. Proceeds from the dance benefitted the Shelby County High School PACE Club which supports the school’s track and cross country athletes.

“I’d describe it as an overwhelming success,” said Joel Dixon, president of the SCHS PACE Club. “We had fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other important men in the lives of little girls. Most importantly, we had a bunch of little girls who got to enjoy a night feeling like a princess—some actually dressed like princesses complete with a crown—and enjoyed a night jumping around and feeling special.”

This year’s event saw between 350 and 400 people in attendance and was able to raise $5,300 to support local cross country and track field athletes and their coaches.

The event offered various snacks, including cupcakes provided by Pastries on Main, cookies, Chex Mix and water and lemonade. DJ Ricky with Ruston Entertainment provided the backing music to the event as families enjoyed a memorable evening together.

“Ricky Ruston did a great job playing music that encouraged dads and daughters to get out on the dance floor and enjoy a special moment… sometimes silly, sometimes sweet, but memorable all around,” Dixon said. “Pastries on Main provided delicious cupcakes. We had cookies and snack mix as well as pink lemonade.”

Additionally, two photo opportunities were set up with one inside and one near the fountain for fathers and daughters to take photos and capture memories to share on social media.

“As I’ve looked through these photos, I find myself wondering how many of these will pop up in graduation parties, rehearsal dinner slide shows and other important moments in the future,” Dixon said. “I think it was a night that created some wonderful, important memories for these kids and the men in their lives.”

Dixon said that the SCHS PACE Club has two main goals each year in holding the Daddy Daughter Dance.

“First, we want to raise money for our school’s cross country and track teams,” Dixon said. “These programs have grown tremendously, both in numbers of student athletes as well as success at races and meets. The booster club exists to support them and their coaches. That includes providing spirit gear, snacks and drinks for races among other efforts. But we also want to create a first-class event for these kids and the adults in their lives.”

Behind all of the glitz, glamour and spectacle of the evening were the efforts of many parents and volunteers behind the scenes who worked outside the spotlight to make the event possible.

“One sight that most probably didn’t see was the amazing group of parents that made this event happen,” Dixon said. “Stephanie Busby was the chair of this effort, but there were so many more. People who showed up early on Saturday morning to inflate balloons, make flower arrangements and decorate the Grande Hall so these girls could enjoy a night of elegance and fun. Additionally, we had approximately 20 student athletes who came and helped ensure things ran smoothly. We could not have made this event happen without our volunteers.”

Dixon said he received positive feedback on this year’s installment Daddy Daughter Dance and the club looks forward to hosting the event again next year.

“I heard a lot of positive feedback as people left at the end of the night,” Dixon said. “Even more so, watching the smiles and the laughter during the event said everything we needed to know.”

The third annual installment of the Daddy Daughter Dance will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

“Look forward to an even bigger event next year,” Dixon said.