Coaldale — When organisers in Raymond discontinued their long‑running father‑daughter ball, a Coaldale resident decided the tradition should not end. The result is the TIME Society, a volunteer non‑profit that will host a father‑daughter dance on Oct. 24, 2026, bringing families together and aiming to preserve a cherished southern Alberta custom.
From a personal push to a community event
Josia Tillack, who watched for years as her husband and daughter travelled to Raymond’s annual ball, said she felt compelled to act after the original event announced it was ending. Tillack, drawing on a family culture that values community gatherings, helped form TIME — Together Inspiring Memorable Events — to carry the tradition forward and expand it to neighbouring towns.
"I have grown up with a family that is very into gathering people and just kind of connecting people around you," Tillack said, reflecting on her Filipino heritage.
The TIME Society began planning in December 2025 and registered officially in January 2026. Local institutions and businesses moved quickly to support the initiative.
Local partnerships keep costs down
Organisers emphasise affordability and local involvement. Palliser School Division has sponsored the venue at Coaldale Prairie Winds Secondary, where the school’s Culinary Arts students will cater the evening. Additional community partners include the FCSS Do Crew Senior program, local business sponsors and funding from the Stirling Wind Project Community Benefit Fund.
Thanks to those partnerships, organisers say tickets remain inexpensive — $25 per pair — a price point aimed at keeping the ball accessible to a broad range of families in the region.
Demand and event details
Early response was immediate. Early‑bird tickets sold out within hours of their release on Father’s Day, and organisers report that nearly 100 tickets had already been claimed shortly after the announcement. The event is scheduled for the evening of Oct. 24, 2026.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Oct. 24, 2026 |
| Venue | Coaldale Prairie Winds Secondary |
| Ticket price | $25 per pair |
| Organiser | TIME Society (Together Inspiring Memorable Events) |
| Partners | Palliser School Division, FCSS Do Crew Senior program, Stirling Wind Project Community Benefit Fund |
Volunteers, students and sustainability
Organisers say the involvement of students and seniors helps both with costs and with intergenerational connection. Culinary Arts students catering the ball gain practical experience, while senior volunteers contribute time and event support through FCSS programs.
Tillack and others behind TIME have flagged the potential for future expansion beyond the father‑daughter model. Ideas mentioned by organisers include additional dances such as mother‑son events and other community gatherings, but the immediate focus remains on delivering a successful inaugural ball in October.
What attendees can expect
- Live or DJ music and floor dancing geared to families.
- Meals prepared by local Culinary Arts students.
- Prizes and community raffle supports.
- An emphasis on keeping tickets affordable to encourage broad participation.
Organisers point to the importance of preserving regional traditions. The father‑daughter ball has been a fixture in southern Alberta for decades, drawing families from across the area. With the Raymond event gone, Coaldale’s TIME Society says it intends to carry forward the social ritual that brings generations together for an evening of dance and celebration.
Tickets and further details are being handled through the organiser’s registration system. Early indications suggest strong community appetite for the event, and with school and community groups contributing, the Oct. 24 ball looks likely to become a new regional fixture.
For now, TIME’s founding volunteers are focused on the logistics of a safe, welcoming and affordable evening — and on ensuring that a longstanding southern Alberta tradition does not disappear.
