The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it was not until 1972—58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official—that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. Father’s Day 2022 will occur on Sunday, June 19.
A Spokane, Washington, woman named Senora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by a widower, tried to establish an official equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents. She went to local churches, the YMCA, shopkeepers and government officials to drum up support for her idea, and she was successful: Washington State celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day on June 19, 1910.
Slowly, the holiday spread. In 1916, President Wilson honored the day by using telegraph signals to unfurl a flag in Spokane when he pressed a button in Washington DC. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day.
“Fathers, be good to your daughters. You are the god and the weight of her world.”
—John Mayer
Today, the day honoring fathers is celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June: Father’s Day 2022 occurs on June 19.
Here are 10 fun ways to help Dad celebrate his day.
1. Have fondue for dinner
Fondue? More like FonFUN! Find fondue recipes online or create your own and have a dinner experience Dad will never forget!
2. Go bird watching
Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, nature-filled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.
3. Spoil him with breakfast in bed
Breakfast in bed isn’t just for Mother’s Day! Dads can enjoy it too! Whip up some of his favorite brunch treats and start Father’s Day off right.
4. Go on a bike ride
Dust off the bikes and ride around the park to make Dad feel special.
5. Fire up the backyard grill
There’s no greater way to get to a Dad’s heart than the word “barbeque”. Grab extravagant meats like a rack of ribs or wagyu beef burgers and have Dad go to town.
6. Do a blindfolded beer taste test
Go to your nearest grocery store and grab 6 different kinds of beer, varying in style and flavors. Then, blindfold Dad and see if he can guess which one is which!
7. Take him online shopping
If Dad is way overdue for a closet makeover, why not take advantage of this free time and get some shopping done? Check out websites like ASOS or Topman for the latest trends!
8. Gather loved ones on FaceTime
Being with loved ones (even virtually) is important now more than ever. Privately message Dad’s family, friends, and loved ones, and surprise him with a Zoom meeting or FaceTime call.
9. Stargaze
Wait until the sun sets and lay out a blanket in the backyard. Grab a telescope or use the Star Walk app on your phone to point out constellations. Dad is sure to feel like a star!
“A father is the one friend upon whom we can always rely. In the hour of need, when all else fails, we remember him upon whose knees we sat when children, and who soothed our sorrows; and even though he may be unable to assist us, his mere presence serves to comfort and strengthen us.”
—Émile Gaboriau
Wishing all the fathers a wonderful day today and year-round!
Laura Goguet
Community Manager