Love was measured in laughter and little hands clasped tightly together Friday night as families filled the Frontier Park Field House for the annual Family Sweetheart Social hosted by the Chicago Ridge Park District.
Seventeen families, 57 guests in all, gathered for this year’s celebration, transforming an ordinary winter evening into a dance party designed for every kind of family. What was once a traditional Daddy Daughter Dance has grown into something more inclusive, welcoming parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings to share the spotlight.
“The Family Sweetheart Social began as an idea to move away from traditional dances to be more inclusive to all families,” said Jennifer Grabowski, recreation supervisor for the park district. “Families can include extended family members in the same household as well as nontraditional families, and we want everyone to have fun.”
That spirit was evident from the start. Children arrived dressed in party attire, some in twirling dresses and others in crisp shirts and ties, while parents followed close behind with cameras ready. The DJ wasted no time filling the room with favorite songs spanning generations, and within minutes the dance floor was alive with spinning daughters, laughing grandparents and parents showing off their best moves.
“I like having a family dance because so many families are just looking for something fun to do but might not fit into a Father/Daughter or Mother/Son dynamic for a traditional dance,” Grabowski said. “By having a dance that includes all families, we can eliminate that aspect and just include everyone.”
Around the room, entertainment added to the magic of the night. A balloon artist crafted colorful animals and heart-shaped creations that floated above the crowd. Face painters carefully brushed bright butterflies, superheroes and glittering designs onto eager faces. Families lined up to pose for a professional photograph, receiving a souvenir print in a decorative frame, a keepsake of an evening meant to be remembered.
In a season often focused on couples, the park district created space for something broader, a celebration of family in all its forms.
