Dads & daughters to dance in Park Ridge

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Fathers and their girls can trip the night fantastic when the Park Ridge Park District presents its Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance Feb. 11 at Maine Park Leisure Center.

Updated: January 26, 2012 12:24PM

The Park Ridge Park District runs many events for families but there are few events designed for just fathers and daughters. That’s one reason why they host an annual Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance, explained Special Events Supervisor Mary Bart.

“It’s a great time. We’re always filled every year,” Bart said. Bart said that fathers and their little girls, ages 4-12, get all dressed up for their evening together — and some dads even buy their little girls corsages.

This year’s gala evening is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley St. There will be dancing and games led by a DJ, and finger treats, including miniature cupcakes.

“A professional photography company takes a sweetheart picture of daddy and his daughter as a remembrance of their special night together.” Bart said.

The cost is $30 per couple for residents, $48 for nonresidents; $15 and $28 for additional daughters.

For details, call (847) 692-5127 or visit www.prparks.org.

Cultural connection

An art exhibit, dancing and the personal stories of Assyrian students attending school in District 219 will be some of the highlights of the Coming Together in Skokie Kickoff Celebration, 2:30-4:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 at Niles West High School, 5701 Oakton St. Each year, Coming Together in Skokie focuses on a different culture for six weeks, with special activities and events.

For details, call (847) 673-7774 or visit www.skokielibrary.info.

Read it and weep

A 9-year-old Assyrian girl loses her family while fleeing war in Persia but creates a new one in Home is Beyond the Mountains by Celia Lottridge. Mothers and fathers are invited to read the book with their fourth-through-eighth-graders, and then join a Parent-Child Book Discussion, 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St. Register by Jan. 30.

For details, call (847) 324-3149 or visit www.skokielibary.info.

Scientific discovery

Kids will learn that science can be fun when Steve Belliveau presents, Getting Excited About Science!, 2-2:45 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 at Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St. Call to reserve tickets in advance.

For details, call (847) 662-6622 or visit www.nileslibrary.org.

Waddle they do

A man inherits six penguins, and they turn his life upside down, in “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” The live-action family film will be screened at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at Niles Public Library 6960 W. Oakton St. A snack will be served.

For details, call (847) 663-1234 or visit www.nileslibrary.org.