By Valerie J. Marone

BRIGHTON — The Brighton Veteran’s Building transformed into a dance hall Feb. 8 for the seventh annual S.W.A.M.P. Valentine’s Day dance for children in Brighton.

Complete with Mad Hatter décor, hearts, red, pink and white flowers, and sparkling confetti, the event was sponsored by the Family Services Alcohol/Drug Prevention team members to provide a drug-free, fun event for youth and teens.

S.W.A.M.P., or Seminoles Without Addictions Make Progress, events help reinforce drug-free choices and give youth an opportunity to practice social skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Family Services counselor Fred Mullins served as Mad Hatter DJ during the event, spinning tunes for the 72 people who attended the dance.

Participants also enjoyed a buffet dinner courtesy of Seminoles in Recovery and took pictures in a photo booth provided by the Recreation Department. A chocolate fountain, candy table and topsy-turvy cake completed the ambiance and made for some sweet memories.

A royal court was also crowned: Queen of Hearts Sunni Bearden, King of Hearts Jason Sampson, Princess Winnie Gopher and Prince Kaiden Sampson.

Family Services thanks Dallas Nunez, Fire Rescue, Seminole Police Department, parent volunteer Justa Sampson and the Brighton staff who helped chaperone.