The Oakdale Sunrise Rotary Club is presenting its annual Boots and Bows Father-Daughter Ball later this month. The inspiration for the event came from Club member Patrick Mondragon.

Mondragon retired from the Navy in 2017 and shortly after moving to Oakdale, joined the Sunrise Rotary Club. After getting the idea for the dance from prior experience, having similar events in the Navy, Mondragon pitched the idea to the club and to his surprise they agreed to create the dance and begin the annual event that it is today.

“The name ‘Boots and Bows’ pretty much came from the fact that we are the Cowboy Capital and our vision was dads in boots with spurs and suits taking their daughters in princess dresses and boots,” Mondragon explained.

Grandfathers, uncles and brothers are also welcome to attend.

The Sunrise Rotary Club is a service club in town that is a part of the larger Rotary International organization. They support the community and local causes both by donating time, resources, and funding. The Oakdale club, in particular, focuses much of their efforts on youth and youth programs in the local area.

This year’s dance is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 11 at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale beginning at 5:30 p.m., running until 8 p.m.

Ticket sales are limited to 300 people. The limitations are being made to make sure there is enough room for dancing and also creating enough space due to COVID limitations. Masks will be available as well as hand sanitizer, and the photos will be taken outside instead of inside.

Tickets start at $40 per couple and an extra $10 added for every extra child, tickets can be purchased and picked up at City Hall or Morris Engineering. All ages are welcome.

The dance will include a live DJ, finger foods, games, and a professional photographer.

All proceeds will go to Oakdale school projects and all community needs.

For any other information or questions contact Mondragon at 209-764-0564 or by email at mondragonpw@gmail.com