Karen Eberly, senior program coordinator at GEARS, said there's one day a year that really catches her attention: GEARS' annual Daddy/Daughter Dance. "This is an event that makes you stop and take notice," she shared, noting that she often works the registration table and then enjoys watching the kids with their fathers. "This is something I always go to, and I love to peek in the door and see what's happening. It's fun to see."

The Daddy/Daughter Dance will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Masonic Village Salon 1, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown.

It's open to girls of any age, Eberly said. "We've had kids as young as 2 or 3 and as old as 12 or 13," she stated. Although it's called a Daddy/Daughter Dance, girls are encouraged to invite any male role model in their life. "It could be their grandfather, uncle, older brother who is at least 18 years old, their neighbor, any male figure in their life," Eberly remarked. "We get a lot of girls who come with someone other than their father." The only stipulation, she noted, is that girls cannot come with their mom or other female adults. "We have a mother/son bowling night for moms," she said, noting that the bowling event will be held on Saturday, March 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Clearview Lanes in Mount Joy.

This is the 16th year for the Daddy/Daughter Dance, and Eberly attributes its popularity to the fun participants have. "It's a fancy and formal atmosphere," she said. "Most of the dads dance. Some of the girls have corsages with matching flowers for their dad. Some get their hair and nails done before they come."

Along with dancing to music provided by a DJ, the event will feature arts and crafts, including coloring pages and a picture frame, perfect for displaying photos taken at the dance. "We will have a professional photographer, so the girls and their dads will get to pose for a photo and take it home that night," Eberly commented. "We'll also have a photo booth with props for people to take selfies." Snacks and drinks will be provided as well.

Eberly recommends registering early for the dance, noting that attendance will be capped at 250 people. "This is a unique opportunity for a dad and daughter to spend time together," she said. "It's such a special night to see the bond developing between a father and a daughter. It's a fun night."

The registration deadline for the Daddy/Daughter Dance is Friday, Jan. 27. There is a set fee per couple, with a discounted additional fee for additional daughters. For more information or to register, visit http://www.getintogears.org or call GEARS at 717-367-0355.