On Saturday, Oct. 10, St. James’ first Annual Father-Daughter Sock Hop took place and everybody who was anybody was there because it was “hopping!” The guests arrived at St. James and stepped back in time to the ’50s, with music blasting by DJ Sal Meda. Car hop moms in matching costumes completed the retro experience serving dinner and drinks. Each dad and daughter came decked out in their best ’50s attire and had their dance picture taken in front of a backdrop of period album covers and a jukebox. Each couple was escorted to their table and served hot dogs and root beer floats in their ’50s paper car carriers.

Sha Na Na-inspired emcee for the evening, St. James dad Dan Molina kept the evening lively and introduced each contest for the dads and daughters to participate in.

The dance contest was first and everyone was ready to go and to show off their best ’50s dance moves. Next, the girls demonstrated their hula hoop skills in the hula hoop contest. When only four contestants were left, the tables were turned and the dads had to come in and hula hoop their way to a victory.

After the hula hoops came the doughnut eating contest, with daughters dangling a doughnut on a string for their dads, who laid on the ground, to eat as fast as they could.

As the contests ended, dads and daughters returned to the dance floor to dance the night away in style. Prizes were handed out to contest winners, winning raffle tickets were drawn for more prizes and the girls danced to every song played. It seemed every girl and her dad or grandpa enjoyed each ‘50s magical minute with many overheard saying that they can’t wait for next year’s dance.

It was a fun time and definitely the place to be on a Saturday night!

Contributed by
Tricia Flynn