BENTON — Get your cape on, and join the Benton Parks and Recreation Department for its second annual Mother-Son Superhero Dance from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 19.
“We started this event a few years ago,” Assistant Parks Director Stephanie Jones said. “Our father-daughter dance was a huge success, and we got a lot of feedback from moms wanting an event for them and their little guys.
“It is important to our department that we offer a variety of programs and events that reach everyone.”
The dance is currently scheduled to take place in the Gene Moss Building at Tyndall Park, but Jones said the dance could be moved to the River Center to accommodate more guests. No tickets will be sold at the door, so they have to be purchased either online at apm.activecommunities.com/bentonrec or at the River Center Front Desk.
The cost for the dance is $30 per couple, plus $7 for each additional child. The dance is open to children ages 3 to 12. The deadline for registration is Jan. 12.
“The revenue generated from the dance goes back to the Parks Department for general park expenses,” Jones said.
Grant Watts, the new special-events coordinator for Parks and Rec, said the dance provides an opportunity to give back to the community.
“Everybody loves superheroes,” he said. “It gives parents and children an option to enjoy something they love and to be a part of something.”
On Dec. 8, Watts — who started at the department in April — said the dance was nearly sold out, and organizers expect nearly 100 couples.
“We have gotten some pretty good feedback, and it has filled up fast,” Watts said.
Jones said approximately 50 people attended last year’s dance.
“The community has responded well to the event, and we have now surpassed last year’s numbers,” Jones said.
New to this year’s dance, there will be a “real-live superhero,” Jones said. There will be a photo booth, games and a live DJ.
“We will also have refreshments and snack items available,” she said. “The crowd favorite is the chocolate fountain, so there will be plenty of food to dip with that.”
Jones said the photo booth was a big hit last year, and it was fun looking through all the photos.
“I also enjoyed watching dance-offs between the moms and sons,” Jones said. “You could see on their faces how much everyone enjoyed the event.”
In addition to the mother-son dance in January, there will be a father-daughter dance at the River Center in Benton, scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Feb. 2. The cost for the father-daughter dance is also $30 per couple.
“This is a special evening for dads and daughters to share,” Jones said. “The night is filled with fun, music and festivities.”
For more information, contact the Benton Parks and Recreation Department at (501) 776-5970.
Staff writer Sam Pierce can be reached at (501) 244-4314 or spierce@arkansasonline.com.