Valley dads and daughters share some special nights in Boardman

BOARDMAN

Six-year-old Lorieona Jannone of Struthers placed her toes on her father’s shoes and together they danced beneath the lights and shimmering pink decor at the Father-Daughter Princess Dance at Boardman Park.

Arrayed in soft pink and yellow adorned with flowers to match those in her hair, the dainty girl smiled as her father, Anthony Jannone, danced with her. This is the first year they made it to the dance, but probably not the last.

“She wanted to do it and I never would turn down a date with my daughter,” Jannone said.

Saturday night was the third of four nights of twirling, dipping and twisting at the 11th annual father-daughter dance in the Lariccia Family Community Center. About 60 daughter-dad pairs came out decked in their best for the three-hour festivity that began at 6 p.m. Most of the tiny princesses sparkled on the dance floor from encrusted dresses, tiaras, jewelry and shoes.

“This is one of my favorite programs because everyone loves to be here,” said Karen McCallum, park recreation director. “Dads love to dote on their daughters and their daughters love to be doted on.”

More than 200 came out this year for the event that began Thursday.

Read more about the event in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.