Thirty-one couples celebrated Valentine's Day early this year, at the Newtown Parks & Recreation's Second Annual Daddy & Daughter Valentine Ball that took place on the evening of Friday, February 2, in the Newtown High School cafetorium.

Young ladies, ages 8 to 12 years old, and their fathers or father-figures (grandfather, uncles, etc) arrived dressed up for a special night full of dancing, games, and entertainment.

Eric Heinen and his 10-year-old daughter Sara were among the attendees excited to be attending their first daddy-daughter dance.

"I'm looking forward to the dancing, the food, and spending time with my dad," Sara said at the beginning of the night.

The DJ played popular slow-songs like "My Girl" by the Temptations and "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder, as well as fast-paced numbers like "The Twist."

Over at the arts and crafts table, children could make custom Valentine's Day cards and picture frames for their loved ones - perfect for placing the couples' photos from the ball taken by Sandra Lynn Photography.

Newtown Parks & Recreation sponsored the Second Annual Daddy & Daughter Valentine Ball with support from local businesses including Sal e Pepe, Carminuccio's Pizza & Subs, Big Y, Sandra Lynn Photography, Franco's Pizza & Pasta, Caraluzzi's, The Burrito Shack, Cover Two Sports Café, and Red Rooster Pub.