Businessmen’s event for daughters expands in second year

April 24, 2018

What started as a conversation among three Sioux Falls fathers has grown into a big event for dads and their daughters.

Craig Ellerbroek, Chris Semrau and Dan Statema were talking last year about how there were a few father-daughter dances in the area organized by schools and churches but none open to anyone.

“We also wanted to create a father/daughter dance that had a huge ‘wow’ factor for the girls,” said Ellerbroek, the manager of ACE Airport Media. “That meant great production, sound, lights, princesses and decorations.”

Last year’s two sessions of Ties & Tiaras drew about 550 people. This year, a third session was added and attendance is expected to top 1,000.

The festivities start at 3:30 p.m. April 28 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

“We think men connect to the event because it isn’t just a special night for the girls; it is equally special for the dads or the special men in their lives,” Ellerbroek said. “They, too, are making lifelong memories, and the pictures that hang on the fridge or home or by her bed are a constant reminder of that night.”

Area businesses have been embracing the event too. Color Me Mine is sponsoring a craft at the event. Minervas and Morrie’s Steakhouse are advertising special Ties & Tiaras dinners for dads and daughters.

Additional sponsors include CellOnly, First Premier Bank/Premier Bankcard, KSFY and Sanford Health.

“We wouldn’t be able to provide free crafts, free photo booths, amazing production and all the princes and princesses that will be in attendance without the help of our sponsors,” Ellerbroek said.

Girls also are given a special token when they enter the event that they can put in a box to fund a charitable contribution.

“This creates a learning moment between dads and daughters, and the event makes a donation to those charities,” Ellerbroek said, adding that during the entire night “lifelong memories are made solidifying that special bond between a dad and his daughter.”

To learn more and to buy tickets, click here.

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Businessmen’s event for daughters expands in second year

What started as a conversation among three Sioux Falls fathers has grown into Ties & Tiaras, a big event this weekend for dads and their daughters.

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