Today, the third Sunday in May, we celebrate Father’s Day. A holiday established to honor and thank all fathers and father figures who carry out the immense responsibility of raising the next generation. Here’s to all those who answer to dad, daddy, papa, father, pops or anything else that is a call to fatherhood.

Father’s Day Fast Facts

While Father’s Day is celebrated on various dates around the world, the third Sunday in June is the most popular annual celebration
The idea for Fathers Day was created by Spokane native Sonora Smart Dodd who wanted a holiday equivalent to Mothers Day (which was created two years earlier) for fathers as well
Smart Dodd was raised by a single dad and originally proposed Father’s Day be celebrated on June 5, her father’s birthday
Smart Dodd went around to churches, government officials, shopkeepers, and the YMCA to garner support for the holiday
She was successful and Washington became the first state to celebrate Father’s Day on June 19, 1910
There was a push in the 1920’s and 1930’s to get rid of Father’s Day and Mother’s Day for a combined single celebration called Parent’s Day instead
Father’s Day started becoming commercialized during the Great Depression as a way to make money when times were dire
When World War II began, Father’s Day became an opportunity for people to respect to the troops
President Richard Nixon declared Father’s Day a national holiday on May 1, 1972 with Proclamation 4127
This came 58 years after Mother’s Day was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914

Enjoy the special holiday if you’re celebrating being a father, celebrating your own father or father figure, or if you’re celebrating both! And while it is a joyous occasion for many, it is not a celebration for all. Please be sure to take care of yourself if this day serves as a painful reminder of what could have been or what once was.

How to Celebrate?

Looking for a Father’s Day activity? Check out the Auburn Golf Course, or enjoy the beautiful day at one of Auburn’s many parks and restaurants. Emerald Downs is also celebrating its 25th anniversary on Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!