Freeport area mothers and sons bond, dance at the annual Mom and Me Masquerade event
FREEPORT — As her son played with bubbles floating in the air, Jeanette Freier of Freeport danced the night away at the annual Mom and Me Masquerade event held Friday at the Masonic Temple in Freeport.
Freeport area fathers and daughters did the same two weeks ago at the Candyland Ball. Both dances are sponsored by the Freeport Park District.
Unlike the Candyland Ball where many of the girls kicked balloons while dancing, boys at the Masquerade swatted at them in the air until they popped.
More than 100 mothers and sons attended.
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“This is something I get to do with my son, a special night of bonding to beat the winter cold, dance and just have fun," Jeanette Freier said. "It’s about creating moments in time that will keep him young for the rest of my life.”
Renita Folkers, recreation supervisor for the Freeport Park District, said she is happy to see the return of the fun night.
“Now in its sixth year, the Mom & Me Masquerade is a night full of dancing and playing games,” Folkers said. “It is the perfect way for moms, grandmothers and young boys to spend time together in a festive environment. These are special memories that will last a lifetime.”
Jennifer Longo created a mask with her son Maddux Longo. Jennifer said she has brought her two older sons to the event in previous years, as well.
“This is a tradition in my family," Longo said. "What we do at this dance is a different type of bonding. We dance all the time at home, so it’s extra special to dance the night away in the ballroom of the Masonic Temple.”
Students from the Freeport High School National Honor Society and Key Club volunteered at the event. Tobins DJ supplied the music.
Alexis Hambley of Durand brought her son Maddox Truckenmiller.
Hambley said keeping her son home during COVID restrictions has been hard. She said she jumped at the chance to get out of the house.
“We put our dance shoes on, our best clothes," Hambley said. "We came for a night of fun.”
Jane Lethlean is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Freeport area mothers and sons bond over a night of dancing
