Anne Scarffe, Gilpin County. Gilpin County Daddies and Daughters got a chance to dance and participate in activities when the Gilpin County Recreation Center opened up the whole center on Saturday, February 21. The dance offered the limbo, conga lines and the macarena, according to Assistant Director Gabrielle Chisholm.

In addition to dancing, in the fitness studio were crafts to do with mermaid stickers and make your own dinglehopper (the fork from Little Mermaid). Guests also could use the pool, and swimming was a hit. 

Major Willy’s supplied donuts as a snack. About 32 families signed up, but many residents dropped in, for a total attendance of about 68 daddies and daughters.

The Recreation Center Board wanted something bigger and better from last year’s event, since they had to turn families away last year, so Joline Logan at a planning meeting thought to add swimming and have the dance in the gymnasium. 

The Gilpin County Recreation Center will offer the following programs in 2020. 

2/29- Catch Some Air Event from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event is for the whole family and free. Air Rental Company will set up in the gym, with an obstacle course and inflatables like bouncy castles to jump and play in with a yearend basketball celebration.

3/6-3/8- Lifeguard Training

3/7 High Country Auxiliary has a chili dinner and silent auction.

3/13- Fitness Equipment Orientation.

3/14- Family Fly Fishing Instructional Day- learn how to fly fish, identify fish, tie lures, practice casting.

3/22- Babysitter Training, Noon-6 p.m., cost $20.

3/22 – 3/27 Spring break for all ages. Planned daily activities, field trips, games.

4/4- Easter Egg Hunt and Dive, Time TBD, Free. Egg hunt is divided into age groups in different parts of the rec center. The rec center has been doing this for years for the community.

For paid events, register online at: https://gilpincountyrec.maxgalaxy.net/BrowseActivities.aspx. For free events, just show up.

(Originally published in the February 27, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)