Father’s Day

Hey there curious readers! Did you know that Father’s Day originated in Washington State? Believe it or not, the nation’s very first Father’s Day took place on June 19, 1910, in none other than Spokane Washington.

Now let me share this fascinating tidbit with you.

Sonora Dodd (click image to learn more about Sonora Smart Dodd)

The brainchild behind this esteemed celebration was Sonora Dodd from Spokane, Washington. Sonora was raised by her widowed father, alongside five siblings. Inspired by the awesomeness of Mother’s Day, she wanted a day to honor her Dad and all the amazing father figures out there. So, she boldly petitioned her fellow Spokanites and presented her grand idea to the local government, who, thankfully agreed that fathers deserved a little spotlight too. Though, it wasn’t until 1972 that Father’s Day earned its official federal recognition. Better late than never, right?

Now, here’s a twist you won’t believe.

Commercialism nearly played a role in removing the holiday altogether. Back in the day, fathers weren’t exactly viewed as the sentimental types who would want a bunch of gifts showered upon them. Can you imagine? Well, neither could the retailers. In fact, there were rallies held to remove Mother’s Day and Father’s Day altogether and instead create one giant Parent’s Day.

But that’s not where this bizarre holiday tale ends.

Just when things were looking bleak, along came the Great Depression, and it changed everything. Retailers across the US doubled down on pushing Father’s Day to the public. Their decision to go all in gave Father’s Day the spotlight it deserved and saved it from extinction.

These days, Father’s Day is all about cherishing the sentimental side of the holiday.

Sure, gifts are great, but spending quality time with your Dad is even better. So, without further ado, here’s a list of five fantastic places where you can bond with your dad this Father’s Day.

1. Get out there and go hiking! Washington has a ton of awesome places to hike. Here are three kid-friendly hikes to think about embarking on: 
   • Myrtle Falls Viewpoint via the Skyline Trail (0.7 miles out-and-back & 154 ft of elevation)
   • Heybrook Lookout (2.6 miles roundtrip & 850 ft of elevation)
   • North Beach Trail to Deception Pass Bridge (1.4 miles out-and-back & 377 ft of elevation)
2. Cruise over to a car show. Here are three car show events taking place on June 18th, 2023:
   • Fenders On Front Street (Issaquah)
   • Dream Builders Car Show (Monroe)
   • Father’s Day Car Show & Strawberry Festival (Burien)
3. 2023 Trout Derby brought to you by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
   • Cast your line out and try to reel in a prized fish in this year’s. (Winning derby trout will have a blue tag attached near their fin. Keep the tag! You will need it to claim your prize. For rules and regulations click to connect to the event page)
4. Take Dad out to a Ballgame, or watch the game from home.
   • Join the Seattle Mariners as they take on the Chicago White Sox!
5. Barbeque. When all else fails, food is universally loved and a good old fashioned backyard BBQ is a great setting to spoil Dad!  

So, this Father’s Day, let’s go beyond the cliched ties and socks.

(unless that’s what your Dad is into and then by all means-buy the ties and socks) and let’s give our dads the most precious gift of all—our time. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there! I hope you enjoy your homegrown holiday Washington Dads!

One Last Thing Before You Go! Check Out Our Complimentary Father’s Day Printable Card And Worksheet!

You’re A Reel Cool Dad Card Front (Click To Download and be sure to select print on both sides and flip along short edge when printing! Fold card on the gray line.)

Click to Download

Kerriann Jenkins