Friday, June 17, 2016

2016 Father’s Day Events in Calgary

                                                
It is June and we all know what that means—it’s coming up to the day we celebrate our dads and grandads, or any other influential male in our lives, it’s Father’s Day!
Father’s Day originated back in 1909 when a young lady was in church listening to a Mother’s Day sermon and thought that dads should be celebrated as well. Although it is celebrated on different days around the world, the most popular day for this occasion is the third Sunday in June, which this year is June 19th. The day is not only used to thank our dads for all they do for us throughout the year, but also to reflect on the influence of dads in our society and how they help shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Dads come in all shapes and sizes and have different tastes. Fortunately in and around Calgary this year, there are a lot of different things to do to celebrate the day, and something sure to please all dads:



Is your dad a plane enthusiast? If so you’ll want to take him to the 5th Annual Wings and Wheels event this Father’s Day weekend at the Aero Space Museum of Calgary located at 4629 McCall Way in the NE. Dads get free admission when being accompanied by a paid admission and can check out the vintage vehicles, the open cockpits and even take a helicopter tour of the city (with an extra charge).  There are fun activities for the kids too of course, and the fun goes both weekend days from 10-3.

Is your dad an amusement park aficionado? If so, you’ll want to head on over to Calgary’s own Calaway Park where dads (and granddads) can enjoy free admission when they show up with a kid (or two!) It is Rad Dad day on Father’s Day at the park, so enjoy the rides, the shows and all the games and food you can handle, all day from 10-7.

Does your dad adore horses? If the answer is a resounding yes, you’ll want to go to Spruce Meadows this Father’s Day or any day between June 15-19 for the Continental. Admission is free and once there you can watch professional show jumping in a relaxed environment, tour the grounds, shop and eat and let the kids play on the playground equipment, take a pony ride and/or have their face painted, all in the family friendly atmosphere.



If your dad loves trains, and you want a little Sunday drive to boot, you won’t want to miss Train Days at AspenCrossing in Mossleigh (around 40 miles SE of Calgary on Highway 24). The fun takes over both days this weekend from 10-4 both days and not only can dad take in the sights of the model train displays which feature G scale trains, but you can also take him on a full size train for an hour ride through Aspen Crossing. There is also a pancake breakfast from 9-12 noon, and a Father’s Day brunch offered on an 1887 Pullman Dining Car with seatings that can be booked anytime from 9am-3pm for your convenience. General admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids, and there is a charge of $25 for adults and $15 for kids for the train tour. The buffet is $22.95 for adults and there is also a charge for the pancake breakfast.



Is dad an avid runner? If so there are several runs and walks taking place on Father’s Day weekend. One such run is the Trico Father’s Day Walk on June 19th from 1-2:30pm. It is a 4K walk that the family can enjoy together and you can even try out walking poles if you’d like to see how they feel. This is a free event that is sponsored by #GetMovingYYC and it all starts at the Trico Center for Family Wellness which is located at 11150 Bonaventure Drive in the SE.
Another run is the Do it for Dad event to benefit prostate cancer. This is a 5K run/walk that starts at Eau Claire Market with registration at 8am and the run/walk commencing at 10am this Father’s Day, June 19.



Is your dad your hero? If so, take him to the Calgary Farmer’s Market this Saturday, June 18th for the SuperDad Lounge. He can enjoy a free massage, grab a snack pack and watch the kids as they create and then present their very own craft just for him. There is also going to be prize draws and a family photo opportunity. Everything is free but for the family photo, a donation to the Calgary Food Bank is gladly accepted.

Does dad love the great outdoors? If so, take him to Ralph Klein Park this Father’s Day for free activities which all gets under way at 1pm. There will be guided nature walks, pond dipping, face painting for the kids and nature crafts plus a whole lot more. Best of all, dad can enjoy being outside not only with nature but the whole family too.

If dad or granddad loves loud music and marching bands then McMahon Stadium is the place to be on June 19th starting at 2pm.  For $10 general admission you can take dad to celebrate music, marching bands and the performing arts as you listen to the Calgary Round Up Band, and the Calgary Stetson Show Band perform. It is a Celebration of Sound that is fun for all.

Does dad love history? If so, he can take a cemetery tour on Sunday between 2-3pm. This tour will explain the history and life of some of Calgary’s founding individuals and is billed as a walk through time. It takes place at Union Cemetery in the SE, but starts at the Galloway House just across the street.



Is your dad one with a daddy’s girl? Then a trip to Airdrie is in order this Saturday, July 18 so daddy and daughter can have some fun while dad learns how to do simple pony tails and braids in his daughter’s hair. The fun starts at 11 and there is also a barbeque, face painting and other activities, all with donations to Airdrie Angel, a community group that quietly gives those in need a little help. It happens at the CIBC in Sierra Springs.


What do dads want for Father’s Day? Fancy car, nice trip, yet another tie? Well, yes, probably, but all kidding aside, dads just want to enjoy their day with the ones that matter the most—their family. Whatever you choose to do with dad this weekend have fun and make lots of memories along the way!