Even if father doesn't always know best, this Sunday is set aside to recognize fathers, father-figures, paternal bonds and fathers' positive influence on society.
The holiday was first proposed in the Spokane, Wa., in 1910, and was celebrated, mostly at churches, in West Virginia and Washington. Influential people like Chicago Social Worker Jane Addams and Chicago Lions' Club member Henry Meeks, supported honoring dads with their own day, but the idea wasn't an immediate hit.
A bill recognizing the holiday was introduced-and rejected-by Congress in 1913. Calvin Coolidge recommended the day be observed in 1924 Finally, in 1966 Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers. Six years later, Richard Nixon signed into law in 1972 a national Father's Day holiday.
Today, Father's Day is celebrated globally, and like the U.S., it's celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
This year, fathers are being gifted with free drinks and food at various restaurants in the metro Atlanta area. They are honored with free admission to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, and with picnics and outdoor activities at parks throughout the Historic Heartland region.
Father's Day Picnic
A Father's Day Picnic and Games will be held at Indian Springs State Park [http://gastateparks.org/IndianSprings?s=65.0.0.5], 678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla, 1 to 4 p.m. There will be corn hole, ladder ball, ring toss, even one round of miniature golf. Admission is $5 per person; parking is $5. The games will take place at the Programming Hut. For more information, (770) 504-2277, or gastateparks.org.
Father's Day Car Show
Classic 1950s Camaros, Mustangs, Chevys and more will be on display at the Father's Day Car Show, Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dad's get a free Adventure Pass when accompanied by someone with a paid admission. Download the coupon [http://www.stonemountainpark.com/] by clicking on "Festivals & Events," and following the links. The newly restored Krispy Kreme Cruiser, a 1960 Flexible Starliner, will also be on display. Tickets are $24.95 plus tax in advance for adults; $29.95 plus tax at the gate. Children, ages 3 to 11 are $19.95 in advance, $24.95 at the gate. For more information, (800) 401-2407 or www.stonemountainpark.com.
Georgia Aquarium
Dads get a free Total Ticket Admission and special gifts at the Georgia Aquarium at 225 Baker St. in Atlanta, Sunday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the purchase of one regular priced adult, senor or child's admission. Regular tickets are $35.95 for adults, age 13 through 64; $29.95 for children, 3 through 12; and seniors $31.95. Tickets may be purchased in advance, but dad's free ticket will be redeemed at the ticket scanner. For more information,(404) 581-4000 or www.georgiaaquarium.org
Braves Heritage Weekend
Celebrate Father's Day with the Braves at Heritage Weekend, Friday through Sunday, June 19 through 21, as the Braves take on the New York Mets on Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Dr., Atlanta. The Atlanta team is hosting events honoring baseball's affect on social change. Boyz II Men will perform at a postgame concert Saturday evening. For more information, (404) 522-7630 or http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com
Braves Country 5K
Continue celebrating Father's Day with the Braves and the Atlanta Track Club at the Braves Country 5K held at Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Dr. The family-friendly events includes a One Mile Fun Run, Kilometer Kids Dash, as well as the 5K run. Tickets start at $10 for the dash; $15 for the One Mile Fun Run; $39 for the 5K Upper Box Ticket Package; and $49 for the 5K Outfield Ticket Package. Each 5K registration includes a ticket to the evening's game and a Mizuno shirt. All participants can walk in the pre-game parade before the game, and stay for the post-game concert. For more information, visit www.atlantatrackclub.org.
Twilight Paddle
Watch wading birds and enjoy the setting sun during a "Twilight Paddle" led by a ranger on a three-mile canoe trip to Buck Creek, on Friday, June 19, from 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. at High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Dr., Jackson. The program is open to adults and children, 8-years and older when accompanied by an adult. The cost is $15; $5 for parking. Paddles are held throughout the summer on Friday, June 26, July 10, July 24, and Sept. 25; and Saturdays, July 18, Aug. 1, Aug. 8 and Sept. 19. For more information, call (478) 993-3053 or visit http://gastateparks.org
Zombies on Mountain Bikes - The Dark Nite Series
Witness free as mountain bike riders race while being chased by Zombies at the first race of The Dark Nite Series, Georgia International Horse Park Steeplechase Special Events Field, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway in Conyers. Racers will line up to start at 5:45 p.m., and will ride for either six or 12 hours. Solo and team racers can register to compete at http://www.chainbusterracing.com/#!zombie-apocalypse-/c95q . Cost to race starts at $70 for solo riders on the 6-hour course; $100 for two-person teams on the 6-hour course. For more information, contact Owner Kenny Griffin at (678) 758-7206 or Kenny@chainbusterracing.com, or visit www.chainbusterracing.com/12-hours-of-zombie-apocalypse.html
Atlanta Summer Beer Fest
Grab a cold one at the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest, Saturday, June 20 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Masquerade Music Park, 695 North Ave NE, Atlanta. Over 150 beers, including some from local breweries, will be featured. Tickets are $45. For more information, visit www.atlantasummerbeerfest.com
