Inaugural Daddy Daughter Sneaker Ball Brings Families Together in Atlantic City

A new tradition focused on family, connection, and community pride.

When Mayor Marty Small Sr. took office in 2019, he made a promise to create more opportunities for families to come together, celebrate one another, and feel connected to the city they call home. That promise was on full display at Atlantic City’s All Wars Memorial Building during the inaugural Daddy Daughter Sneaker Ball, an event that many hope will become a new Atlantic City tradition.

Organized by the Atlantic City Recreation Division, the Sneaker Ball was a refreshing twist on the traditional father-daughter dance—offering an experience that prioritized fun, fashion, and family. The free event welcomed fathers and father figures from across Atlantic City to attend with their daughters, walking the red carpet, posing for photos, and dancing the night away in outfits that mixed formal flair with comfortable sneakers.

Inside the beautifully decorated venue—thanks to the Mayor’s Office of Special Events—guests enjoyed dinner, desserts, “mocktails,” and giveaways donated by generous local businesses and community partners. These touches reinforced the heart of the event: community support and connection.

While the Recreation Division is known for its sports leagues and youth programs, events like this reflect its broader mission to create meaningful moments that bring people together. Recreation Director Mike Griffin shared that more events like this are already being planned, in addition to the division’s ongoing after-school programming and seasonal trips designed to keep Atlantic City youth active, inspired, and engaged.

Since the Mayor’s first term, Atlantic City has continued to invest in programming that brings joy, promotes unity, and helps families create memories close to home. These types of initiatives speak to a broader goal—making Atlantic City a place where people can thrive, raise their families, find opportunity, and take pride in where they live.

The success of the first-ever Daddy Daughter Sneaker Ball proves that Atlantic City residents are ready to celebrate one another in new ways—and that the city is just getting started. These moments of joy and connection are what make Atlantic City a great place to live, work, and invest.

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