For more than a decade, thousands of little girls in Bartholomew County have experienced the magic of becoming a princess for one night at the Foundation for Youth Princess Ball.
And it’s not just an event for princesses, as each young lady is asked to bring her father, a family member or another male role model, as her escort for the dance.
This year’s Princess Ball is 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at FFY, 405 Hope Ave., and a few $25 per couple tickets remain, said Laura Moses, FFY health and fitness director.
Those who attend can enjoy snacks, crafts, dancing and have a photo taken as a memento of the night.
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FFY started the Princess Ball about 13 years ago as a way to give fathers and daughters a chance to have some time together at a special event, Moses said.
“But we are aware and careful to remember that not all girls have dads,” she said.
So FFY encourages the young ladies to invite someone in their life who is a role model, such as a grandfather, a brother, an uncle or even a family friend.
“The main goal is to focus on how these little girls can learn how to be treated respectfully,” she said. “She learns to be treated the way we should expect everyone to treat girls.”
The dance floor at the Princess Ball is filled with a variety of looks — the girls are invited to dress up to whatever degree they wish to, and their escorts can follow the same guideline.
Moses said she has seen dads wearing everything from military uniforms to tuxes, while many of the girls wear sparkly princess dresses to match the theme.
This year’s theme is a fairyland motif, and will feature twinkle lights, balloons scattered on the floor and a bubble machine courtesy of disc jockey Alan Trisler.
There’s also areas for crafts. In past years, those who attend have made bracelets or created photo frames, with the selection focused on what the princesses will enjoy.
The target age for the princesses is 3 to 11 years old, which allows FFY staff members to come up with craft ideas that all the young ladies can enjoy, Moses said.
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What: Princess Ball 2019
When: 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave.
How much: $25 per couple, $15 for each additional princess
For more information, to volunteer or to register, visit foundationforyouth.com
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