SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Spanish Fort Middle School Principal Craig Ross knows a good idea when he sees one, and 400 Spanish Fort fathers and daughters couldn’t agree more.

SFMS’s  inaugural Father-Daughter Sweetheart dance has sold out in only two weeks, meaning the school’s cafeteria will be transformed Feb. 11 into what organizers are certain will be a memorable night for all in attendance.

“I’m really not surprised at all by the strong response. There really are so few opportunities like this for fathers and daughters to spend memorable quality time together,” said Ross, who pitched the idea to members of the school’s PTA after attending similar events while working in Auburn.

The PTA took the idea and “ran with it,” he said, making certain that “Father” in this particular instance does not necessarily mean a biological father as “significant father figures” are welcome to attend.

Attendance was limited to the first 400 guests, however, so tickets were made available on a first-come, first-served basis to all Spanish Fort daughters in grades K-8.

And with only a week remaining until the big night, picture-order forms meant to commemorate the special event are already available on the SFMS website at www.spanishfortmiddle.com.