If you’re getting a little tired of the winter blues, the annual Windermere Valley Child Care Society (WVCCS) Family Fun Dance and their tropical Valentines beach theme might just be the event for you.

The dance takes place on Friday, February 17 at the Invermere Community Hall, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Entrance to the dance is just a dollar for kids and adults over three years of age, and there will be activities for the whole family, including carnival style games, a silent auction, concessions, door prizes and more. All funds raised go to support the WVCCS and their various activities and programs.

“It’s going to be lots of fun for people of all ages,” organizer Elizabeth Ballman said. “It’s not our biggest money-maker, but it’s by far the most fun—it’s more just about fun for the kids.”

The WVCCS is a non-profit organization that offers three age-based early childhood education programs: an infant and toddler program for ages 0-3, a daycare program for ages 3-5 and a preschool program for ages 3 and 4.

Events such as the dance help keep fees for the WVCCS consistent, which allows a broader scope of people access to the programs.

“It’s about giving all families the opportunity for affordable, fabulous childcare,” Ballman, whose daughter is currently enrolled in such a program, said. “Education is so important, even at this young age, and with fees where they are it allows everyone the opportunity to have access.”

According to their website, the WVCCS believes in the “power of co-operation,” and states their focus to provide stimulating early care and education experience to promote each child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

Ballman says her daughter absolutely loves the program, and has to beg her to come home.

“I’m not a mean mother either,” Ballman joked. “We have dogs, and she gets to eat popsicles… we have a great home, but she would go seven days a week, 10 hours a day if I let her.”

For more information on the WVCCS and their programs, visit windermerevalleychildcaresociety.ca, call 250 342 3168, or email wvccs@cyberlink.bc.ca.