Webb Plaza

Parenting is an art that can almost never be undervalued, and fathers in particular hold a special place in our hearts. Father’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the large and small acts inherent to the art of fatherhood. It is no small feat to be a rock that holds a family together amidst the stressors and tasks of daily life, and this holiday is a time to appreciate the resilience, patience, dedication, and love shown by those paternal figures in our lives. Let’s take a look at a bit of the history behind how this holiday dedicated to honoring fatherhood became known:

Similarly to the movement that led to the official establishment of Mother’s Day, this holiday’s counterpart, Father’s Day, also began in West Virginia. In 1908, the first recognized “Father’s Day” event was a sermon intended to honor the fathers who had died in the Monongah mining explosion that killed 361 people. The following year, a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd picked up the mantle to campaign for a day of celebration for fathers in the wake of the newly established Mother’s Day. Dodd, who had been raised with five siblings by a single father in Spokane, Washington, made trips to businesses and churches to organize a movement dedicated to introducing this holiday. Her actions led to the first official celebration of Father’s Day in the state of Washington on June 19, 1910.

Initially, the idea of a “Father’s Day” did not sit right with, surprisingly, fathers. On the heels of the new Mother’s Day, the concept was associated with gifting flowers and other presents, and regarded as a gimmick meant to sell commercial goods targeted toward men. Although Father’s Day did eventually catch on, with President Calvin Coolidge declaring his support of the observance in 1924, it was not for another fifty years, in 1972, that the third Sunday in June was officially named Father’s Day.  

An equivalent to Father’s Day is celebrated as St. Joseph’s Day, a March 19 Catholic holiday observed in Latin America and Europe.

Today, Father’s Day honors those who serve parental roles in our lives, including fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father-figures. The day is usually celebrated with family-oriented gatherings and cards, and provides an opportunity often overlooked in everyday life to appreciate those who embrace the role of fatherhood.

If you are looking for a gift or a place to spend time with your dad this Sunday, Webb Plaza has a multitude of fun options for different interests. GI Card Shop offers collectibles and games for enthusiasts or those who would like to try out a new game. They carry, comic books, baseball cards, board and card games, coins, trinkets, and much more!

Or, step over to Island Billiards and Darts in Suite K. What could be a better Father’s Day gift than a dart board? Encourage dad to relax by gifting a dart board or the Boss Toss sandbag game to play on a camping excursion or in the garage. You can also spice up your billiard game with all new balls, cues, and any other piece of billiard equipment you might need can be found at Island Billiards and Darts.

For lunch or dinner this Sunday, turn to El Jalapeno’s for a delicious, customizable, and thoroughly satisfying meal. They serve burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, seafood, and more with vegetarian-friendly options. Enjoy their comfortable, intimate small restaurant vibe, and discover this special new spot to make new memories.

Stop by Webb Plaza and support your local businesses this Father’s Day. Located at 2418 N Webb Road, Grand Island, NE.

Happy Father’s Day!