Annual event becomes family tradition

The Shinaberry family gathers three generations for a memorable group photo. They are, from left, John and Alexis Pelfrey, Joe and Jaidyn Salvio, Shannon Shinaberry, Friday Shinaberry, Sr., Amy Pelfrey and Jami Salvio.

Jami Salvio comes from Virginia bringing her husband Joe and daughter Jaidyn; Amy Pelfrey also comes from Virginia with her husband John, and daughters Alexis and Marissa; youngest daughter Shannon Shinaberry resides in McMinnville. They all attended the recent date night and had a blast, enjoying the meal, and dancing the night away.

?We love it, even though it took us 28 hours last year to get home because of the snow,? said Jami. Shannon has attended the event with her dad since 2000, and the out-of-towners have been coming for two years, happily traveling the 698 mile trip.

?We are starting to call it our father-daughter vacation,? said Amy. We take the kids out of school and make a holiday out of it. It?s great, we would love to start one in our hometown.?

Fathers and daughters of all ages gathered at the annual Father/Daughter Date night to form life-long memories. Bill McBride was kept busy keeping up with his five daughters, Patricia Walker, Patsy McBride, Karyl Poss, Shirley Tittsworth and Betty McCormack.

The family attended last year and had so much fun, they had to partake again. Many of their family members were enjoying the night also, attending with their daughters.

?There?s a lot of McBrides here tonight! Several generations, and we are going to have a ball!? said McCormack.

The event has been a highlight for the community for 11 years, with organizers pleased with the way families have been brought together, making memories to last a lifetime.