
It’s a 17-year Friday-before-Valentines-Day tradition
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (February 16, 2020) – “We had trouble teaching in our preschool today,” explained Sharon Desjardins on February 7, “because all of the little girls were talking about their dresses and getting their nails done.” February 7 was the date of this year’s Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance, an annual tradition that the Lan-Oak Park District has organized for the past 17 years. “It’s super cute,” said Desjardins, Senior Superintendent of the park district.
The Lan-Oak Park District offers a variety of events and activities at the Eisenhower Center for all age groups. More information is available at their website or by calling the main number during business hours:
- Visit www.lanoakparkdistrict.org
- Call 708-474-8552

My daughter and husband attended this event for years! She is 11 now and feels “too mature” to attend it. However, they still go on dates, and it set the groundwork for making that a priority and gave them wonderful memories too. But starting at age 5 until about 10 this event was a HUGE deal to her and our family. It was a special night and sacred time for them. I encourage any dad & daughter to experience it even if it’s just once! Those little girls grow fast!