Luis Gabriel, Ray Gabriel, Justin Shaw, and DJ Therres were among the more than 1,000 fathers who brought their daughter to the “Under the Sea” Father Daughter Dance at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center on Feb. 8.
Love was in the air in the Carson Valley as fathers danced with their little sweethearts during the Father-Daughter Dance at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center on Feb. 8.
The dance has been a tradition for fathers and daughters in the Carson Valley for over 20 years and is always a sold out event, said Douglas County Community and Senior Center Recreation Coordinator Dennis Hubbard.
“It has received a lot of praise in the eight years I’ve been working with the County and helping organize the dance and is a well anticipated event,” said Hubbard.
This year’s dance was attended by a combined total of 1,210 fathers and daughters, said Hubbard and was an “Under the Sea” theme.
“They had a blast together,” said Ashley Shaw of her husband Justin Shaw and daughter Braylee.
As for Valentine’s Day reservations, CV Steak, JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, and Daniel’s Fine Dining, who were named “Best Place To Take A Date” in the 2024 Best of Carson Valley awards, reported sold out tables by Wednesday.
CV Steak had 180 people who made reservations. Daniel’s Fine Dining had 48 reservations.
JT Basque Bar & Dining Room doesn’t take reservations for parties under five, but Manager Ryan Lamb said Valentine’s Day has a steady flow of couples.
“We get busy and can expect more crowds and a full house,” said Lamb. “On Valentine’s Day it’s just two, two, and two all night long.”
Daniel’s Fine Dining General Manager Casey Sebahar said extra tables were brought in to accommodate the number of couples.
“We are a small restaurant, we only have eight tables normally, so we had to bring in a few extras for Valentine’s Day,” said Sebahar. “We’ve done busy nights such as New Year’s, but as far as fine dining Valentine’s Day is different.”
In the floral business, A Wildflower and Candlelight and Roses reported that Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest times of year, with Mother’s Day coming in second.
Lori Britton at A Wildflower said red roses are traditionally the symbol of love and are top sellers.
Candlelight and Roses owner April Haymond agreed.
“Receiving a flower arrangement or something special says, ‘I love you,’” said Haymond. “It says ‘I’m thinking of you, you are special, and you are a priority.”
Both reported their signature styles and unique arrangements wowed their customers.
Haymond said many customers ordered flower arrangements early, which helped the shop accommodate the busy holiday.
Britton said 3-foot Ecuadorian long-stemmed roses and Nevada made products are still available at A Wildflower and make a special gift for any occasion.