FATHER'S DAY
Celebrate Dad This Year with an Outdoor Activity He Will Love BY JAKE DURHAM
The celebration of fathers in the U.S. did not start as smoothly as most people would have guessed. Sonora Smart Dodd was one of six children raised by a widower who worked to have a holiday similar to Mother’s Day established for fathers. On June 19th, 1910, the State of Washington adopted the holiday. The holiday went through several trial periods. During the 1920s and 1930s, a movement began that sought to do away with Mother’s and Father’s Day. Father’s Day was viewed as a gimmick for commercial gains. However, some retailers worked tirelessly to keep the tradition alive by devising efforts to make the holiday more like a second Christmas. Retailers promoted items such as hats, sporting goods, neckties, golf clubs, and tobacco. By the end of WWII, manufacturers and retailers argued that Father’s Day should be a way to honor American troops and support the war efforts. In 1972, President Nixon issued a proclamation that declared Father’s Day a national holiday. Today, most fathers enjoy spending the holiday with family and doing outdoor activities, whereas less than 16% of fathers prefer tangible items. This Father’s Day, there are many activities, events, and festivals throughout the state. Where to go and what to do is the most challenging decision.
LibertyFest LibertyFest in Edmond kicks off a week-long series of activities and was acclaimed by CNN and USA Today as one of the top ten Fourth of July festivals in the U.S. There are numerous activities from parades, car shows, live music, food, and rounding out the festivities, fireworks. There is something the entire family can enjoy each day of the festival. Celebrate 50 years of LibertyFest beginning June 19th. 38
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