Father’s Day is a day to celebrate family, whether that means golfing, grilling, going to a game, attending a car show, going to an art festival, or maybe even recharging and unwinding for a few hours (even dads need a break sometimes). I think it’s great that we celebrate mothers and fathers on their own special day—a day designated to making parents feel appreciated.
(To all the naysayers: yes, I know you’re supposed to make your parents feel appreciated every day, but I still think it’s nice that moms and dads get their own national holiday.)
I know how much my dad means to me, and since having two sons, I know how important my husband is to my kids. I want to thank him this Sunday, June 16, for all the diapers he’s changed without complaint, books he’s read before bed, t-ball games he’s coached, wrestling matches he’s initiated, and times that he’s taught our sons about respect, boundaries, tolerance, compassion, hard work, integrity, perseverance, loyalty, and unconditional love. I want to thank him for being the kind of dad who comes home from work, takes off his tie, gets down on the floor, and immediately starts playing with his kids. I want to thank him for knowing that the quality time he spends with our little ones is one of the best gifts he could give our family. (They grow up so quickly!)
I love giving gifts, but I also love the gift of experiences. If you’re looking for a way to acknowledge your dad—or the father (or stepfather) of your kids this Sunday—here are a few events happening in or near the metro area:
Father’s Day 5K
8th Annual Father’s Day 5K Walk/Run around Lake Phalen, St. Paul
Watch a game or race
Be part of the action while watching exciting horse races at Canterbury Park, Shakopee (June 16 is Pepsi Family Day, with free pony rides, a petting zoo, and face painting)
See the Twins take on the Detroit Tigers at Target Field either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday during Father’s Day weekend. The first 10,000 male baseball fans will receive a Twins barbeque spatula. Kids 14 and younger can receive free autographs from a Twins player before the game, and postgame, kids can run the bases.
Watch elite bike racers fly down steep hills during the grand finale of the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival in Stillwater. According to the website, “This lung-busting hill climb along with the heart stopping downhill turns that will stretch the riders’ bike handling skills to their limits combine to give this criterium an international reputation as the hardest in North America.”
Food & Fun
Experience railroad dining as it was in the 1950s aboard the climate-controlled Great Northern dining car, and enjoy either brunch or dinner during a 1.5-hour scenic ride through the St. Croix River Valley.
Enjoy a champagne brunch cruise on the St. Croix River aboard one of the Afton-Hudson cruise ships from noon to 2 p.m. (boarding starts 30 minutes prior).
Brew your own beer or make your own wine at Vine Park Brewing Co. in St. Paul
Art & Music
Attend the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, Minneapolis Riverfront, June 15-16 (complete with unique work on display/on sale by area artists, live performances, a Father’s Day car show, and a large food market).
Happy Father’s Day to all the great dads out there! I hope you’re able to do exactly what you want to do on your special day!