In the space of just a few years, it’s become a local tradition which young girls and their fathers look forward to.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Ball Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance is a fundraiser on behalf of the Knoxville Public Library expansion project; fathers with daughters from ages 5 to 12 are invited to attend, and spend an evening together.

Pennie Sommar is with the organizing committee for the dance; she tells KNIA/KRLS News this dance has become something special for those with the chance to take part.

“We started this about seven years ago as a fundraiser for the library project; and it truly has become one of the greatest things I’ve ever been involved with,” Sommar says.

“And now we’re at the point where people are asking, ‘When is it gonna be? When can I get my tickets?’ So people look forward to it, and we look forward to it as well.”

The dance will be on Saturday, February 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Celebrate Church in Knoxville; there will also be games, a dessert bar and a surprise guest. Fathers often make a full evening out of it, taking their daughters out to dinner beforehand and getting corsages for them to wear.

And Sommar says girls who don’t have a father available don’t have to feel left out; any older male relative or father figure in their lives is welcome to be their escort for the evening.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, at either Iowa State Savings Bank or Eye Health Solutions.