By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The popular Father-Daughter Dance, sponsored each year by the Marlborough Lions Club, will be held Friday, April 8, at the Marlborough High School cafeteria. The fun-filled evening with music, dancing, refreshments and raffle prizes, will begin at 6 p.m. and features DJ Victor.
Young ladies must be at least 3 years of age and may be accompanied by their dad, grandfather, uncle or any other chosen male adult.
The idea of the dance originated in 1996 by Lion Tony Valerio who had learned of one held very successfully for many years in Clinton. He introduced the idea to then President John Usinas who agreed with the concept. It has been ongoing successfully since that time.
“Dance attendance has soared to over 600 dancers in the past few years,” said event co-chair Elizabeth Ruane, who is organizing the dance with Laura Koester.
Much of the success of the dance is due to the enthusiastic support of Lions Club members and friends who provide refreshments through personal donations or from local businesses, including Trombetta’s Creamery and Price Chopper. The School Department provides the high school cafeteria and the assistance of chief custodian Tom Riley and the custodial crew, according to Ruane.
Lions Club member Gregory Mitrakas Sr., father of five daughters, heard of the dance at its inception, and has been the major sponsor for the past 19 years.
Tickets, $7 each, are available at the Main Street Café, 182 Main St.; Bouvier’s Pharmacy, 515 Lincoln St.; and Taqueria LaTapatia Restaurant, 388 Boston Post Road East. Funds raised are donated back into the community in the form of scholarships, a senior dinner, Christmas gifts to the needy and other projects exemplifying Lions International motto –“We serve.”