Interested in learning more about Father’s Day? Personally, I’m a huge fan of facts, history and word origins. This year father’s day will be celebrated on Sunday, June 18, as it always occurs on the third Sunday in June.
Did you know that Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are celebrated in different ways and on completely different days around the world? In the U.S., a national movement to recognize fathers began around the turn of the century. Interestingly, Mother’s Day is often credited with the reason that we celebrate Father’s Day. According to a recent The Telegraph article, “many believe that Sonora Dodd, from Washington, came up with the idea after hearing a Mother’s Day sermon in 1910 and wondering, not unreasonably, why fathers did not have their own day too.” Raised by her father as a single parent, Dodd campaigned to have the day officially recognized. Further proof that grassroots efforts really can change the world. In the U.S., the first known “Father’s Day” was held in Spokane in 1910.
However, also mentioned in The Telegraph article, was a incident in 1908 where a West Virginia woman named Grace Golden Clayton suggested that her town host a Father’s Day celebration after a mine explosion in a nearby town killed more than 360 men – “arguing that children in the town needed a time to remember their fathers.”
As outlined in a 2016 TIME magazine article on the etymology of father’s day, the words Dad, Dada, Pa, Papa, as well as Mom, Ma, Mama are said to derive from the natural sounds a baby makes. Which is why these words are often found universally across different cultures. The “MMM” sound is often the first sound a baby makes, and is therefore given to the primary care giver or “MOM,” The second sound is often a harder “PA PA” or “DA DA” sound, which is assigned to the secondary caregiver or “DAD.”
Therefore, it could be concluded that Father’s Day is a nation-wide recognition of one of your caregivers, and is inherently gender neutral. Either way, it’s a great excuse for a celebration and there are some wonderful local events that may appeal to the special “Dad” in your life.
Father’s Day Events in Buffalo
Path Through History Presented by The Buffalo History Museum
Date: June 17, 2017 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm OR June 18, 2017 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Description: A statewide road-map that ties historically and culturally significant sites, locations and events throughout the Empire State.
Cost: Free museum admission with WWI exhibit tour at 1 pm., Click here for regular admission rates.
JazzBuffalo Presents Father’s Day Celebration And Concert With My Cousin Tone’
Date: June 17, 2017
Time: 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Description: JazzBuffalo, in association with Pausa Art House, presents a special Father’s Day Celebration Concert with My Cousin Tone’. The 9-piece ensemble that has performed on the main stage of the Lewiston Jazz Festival (now the Northwest Jazz Festival) and to a sold-out concert at MusicalFare Theater Cabaret Lounge. This special concert will pay tribute to Dads. To help celebrate Father’s Day, all Dads, accompanied by their sons and/or daughters will be able to attend the concert for FREE. And, Moms, attending with Dads and family are admitted for only $5. To encourage a family-friendly outing, children of the age 14 and under will be able to attend for FREE. Treat your Dads to a special concert and early evening out the day before Father’s Day!
Cost: Dads and children under 14 are free, see website for additional pricing.
BrunchFresh… Delicious Hip-Hop Trivia & Karaoke!
Date: June 18, 2017Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Description: Dope vibe, great company, fresh and excellent food by Chef Alexa Joan! Come enjoy brunch while enjoying classic, rich hip hop music with the opportunity to participate as a contestant in hip hop trivia and karaoke. Yes, it is Father’s day, so treat the special man in your life to a Father’s Day Gift he wont forget! BYOB
Cost: $25 Single Tickets; $40 per Couple
Father’s Day Jazz Brunch at The Hotel Henry: 100 Acres Restaurant With Music Presented By JazzBuffalo
Date: June 18, 2017
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Description: JazzBuffalo, in partnership with Hotel Henry and 100 Acres: The Kitchens at Hotel Henry, is pleased to support the 100 Acres Father’s Day Jazz Brunch to take place from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday, June 18. Jazz music will be provided from 11:30 am to 2 pm and will feature Rick Strauss on guitar, Bud Fadale on bass, and Tony Zambito on percussion. Make reservations for a special Father’s Day brunch that offers spectacular surroundings and brunch menu at this new Buffalo preserved treasure, along with the finest in jazz.
Cost: Call 716-955-1511 for reservations or go online at www.100acresbflo.com to reserve your table.
Daddy Day Hike at Tifft Nature Preserve
Date: June 18, 2017
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Description: Let’s explore the great outdoors with a casual hike through the woods, wetland, and fields! Look for bugs and frogs, and meet some live animals close up. Pre-registration required.
Cost: $5 non-members, BMS members save 10%
The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum & Filling Station
Date: June 18, 2017
Time: 9 am – 5 pm, extended hours for Father’s Day
Cost: Dad’s free with one paid admission, $10 Adults, $5 for children ages 6 – 15
Fourth Annual FATHER’S DAY 5K virtual race!
Date: Complete your race any time in June.
Description: Celebrate your World’s Best Dad! In the spring of 1977, Rick Hoyt told his father, Dick Hoyt, that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, “Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.” This father’s day virtually run (or walk) a 5K in honor of all of the DAD’s out there. A portion of the registration fee (at least 15% of each registration) will be donated to Team Hoyt which works to build the individual character, confidence and self-esteem of America’s disabled and physically challenged young people through inclusion in all facets of daily life. You choose the course and you time yourself (you’ll report your finishing time to us).
Cost: $13 – $27
Additional activities and dining that are fun for the whole family
- Buffalo RiverWorks for brews and silo wall climbing.
- Take a ride on the Queen City Bike Ferry.
- Plan a picnic at Wilkeson Pointe.
- Check out a great passive beach at Canalside, too.
Activities and dining for the 21+ crowd
- Stop into Roost for a drink and a pizza (or three).
- Resurgence Brewery has a great beer garden.
- Hit up Toutant for some southern inspired food – maybe they will have their Nashville Hot Chicken! (hint. hint.)
- There’s a really cool beer garden at the Hydraulic Hearth in Larkinville as well because…beer gardens.
For some Couples’ fun check out,
GoPole Fitness’ Dance For Daddy Lap Dance Class
Date: June 17, 2017
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Description: Come to Gopole and learn to lap dance. You can always give him a new set of tools but I think he’ll like this better. It’s a gift he will never forget! Is your love not a dad? That’s fine. He can be Zaddy for a night. Do you prefer a sugar momma? Or are you single and just want to learn something new? ALL ARE WELCOME! Just throw on some sexy shoes and join the fun!
Cost: $25
Lead photo courtesy of Pixabay.