Mr. Brummell, my dad, has put up with a lot, and I mean a lot, during his time as a father. I remember asking him once during a family trip to Lowe's how he did it.
How he possibly was able to up with my mother, my sister and I all at once -- and with the pooch being a lady as well.
(Side note: we also own three cats, which are male).
He made a joke, which I cannot and will not repeat, about those friendly felines, and I finally understood. It's his sense of humor that gets him by. Not his youthful, striking, salt-and-pepper, good looks, his ability to fix just about anything or his debonair mustache. It's his sense of humor.
(Meant to read -- he won't mind I mentioned his salt-and-pepper hair, or made fun of his -stache).
Dads really are some special people, and just like Mother's Day, there's only this one hot day in June where we get the chance to show it. Not that you shouldn't year-round, but instead of using the word obligated…let's just say your shot at becoming the "favored child" is forever tarnished if you forget this all-important celebratory day.
And to help earn you a few brownie points, we've not only got a spectacular gift guide of "Daddy's Little Helpers" for you to peruse, but a calendar full of fun Father's Day events that are sure to get the "Thank you for being you, dad" message across.
What better place to bring dad, especially those dads that love to gamble, than the race track on Father's Day? Colonial Downs will feature a wide array of giveaways and special events, all centered around Dear Old Dad, including two special dining options.
Choose between the Jockey Club "Pasta for Pop" or the Turf Club "Prime Rib for Pop" options, each complete with a salad, main dish and dessert, for $14.95 and $19.95 respectively. Be one of the first 3,000 people to get dad through the door and win him a free Colonial Downs baseball cap. And the giveaways don't stop there. Enter him to win a free recliner, courtesy of Wyatt-Ogg Furniture, or a 42-inch TV. The first post time is at 12:55 p.m. on Sunday, so be sure to get dad to the track around noon, giving him enough time to place a few bets.
For more information, call (804) 966-7223 or visit colonialdowns.com.
Father's Day in the Garden
Celebrate Dear Old Dad with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as the garden is transformed especially for Father's Day. Father's Day is nothing without the three "C's" -- a concert, classic cars and a cookout -- and Lewis Ginter has them all. Enjoy the deliciousness that only a cookout can offer, while dad and granddad explore the classic cars, hot rods and Harleys that will be on display.
With Garden admission, dad can also enjoy the melodic rock of The Jangling Reinharts. Father's Day in the Garden is happening from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. Garden admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $6 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under age 3.
For more information, call (804) 262-9887 or visit lewisginter.org.
Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Classic
Does your dad have a little cowboy in him? Then there's no better place to take him on Father's Day weekend than the Richmond Coliseum for the Professional Bull-Riding (PBR) Classic at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14. The PBR Classic offers plenty of adventure and fun with bulls, horses, cowboys, clowns and even a little "mutton bustin'." Tickets are available for purchase at the Coliseum Box Office and at all Ticketmaster Outlets. Tickets range from $15 to $61.
For tickets and more information, call (804) 262-8100 or visit prbnow.com.
"Tour de Harrison Victory Lap" Fundraiser
As part of Rally Across America (RAA), the 1,000-mile cycling fundraiser for childhood cancer research, cyclists Austin Bauman and Paul Epp will stop in Richmond on Father's Day to honor local childhood cancer survivor Harrison Strickler. Get dad and the rest of the family in giving spirit participating in the "Tour de Harrison Victory Lap," a five mile bike-ride beginning at 4 p.m., starting and finishing at the University of Richmond Weinstein Center for Recreation.
After the race, enjoy a family picnic at 6 p.m. complete with family, food and fun. With a goal of reaching $25,000 to help fund pediatric cancer research in the Richmond area, the Strickler family is asking for a minimum donation of $25 for adults and $15 for children.
To register to ride and for more information, visit tourdeharrison.com.
Richmond Braves vs. Charlotte Knights
Is your dad one heck of an All-American? Then on Father's Day, take him out to The Diamond to enjoy one of America's greatest pastimes -- baseball. The Richmond Braves take on the Charlotte Knights at 2 p.m. on Father's Day. Enjoy a hotdog, nachos or a cold beer and if you're lucky, you just might go home with a fowl ball. Tickets range from $5-$12.
To purchase tickets and for more information, call (804) 359-4444 or visit rbraves.com.
Dickey Betts and Great Southern at The National
Take dad out for a night on the town the Saturday before Father's Day -- giving him an excuse to lie around all day Sunday. Southern Rock icon Dickey Betts and Great Southern will take over Richmond on Saturday, June 14 for one rockin' Father's Day weekend. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18.50 in advance and $22 at the door.
To purchase tickets and for more information, call 804-612-1900 or visit thenationalrva.com.
The James River Adventure Games and XTERRA East Championship
Does your dad love the outdoors and good, old-fashioned adventure? Then head over to Brown's Island for the James River Adventure Games and XTERRA East Championship on Saturday and Sunday of Father's Day weekend. Gear up for plenty of competition, interactive exhibitions, a concert and fireworks -- and best of all, everything is free.
For more information, call 804-285-9495 or visit sportsbackers.com.
Richmond Kickers vs. Northern Virginia and Bermuda Hogges
"GOAL!" Take dad out for a kickin' good time as our very own Richmond Kickers take on the Bermuda Hogges at 4 p.m. and Northern Virginia at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at the University of Richmond Stadium. Admission to each game is $12 for adults and $7 for children ages three to 17. Children under three are admitted free.
To purchase tickets and for more information, call (804) 644-5425 x 304 or visit richmondkickers.com.
The 16th annual Tribute to God's Men
Join together at the Fifth Baptist Church at 4 p.m. on Father's Day to honor Senator Henry L. Marsh III, Al Hugo Bowers, Jimmy Johnson and a surprise honoree at the 16th annual Tribute to God's Men. This event honors the contributions that key individuals have made in the Richmond community and the impact their efforts have had on families and the community as a whole. Featuring performances by the Melvin Williams, Johnny Sanders, God's Image, the Virginia Choral Ensemble and Sisterly Grace Dance Ministries.
For more information, call (804) 612-3187.
Did we miss your Father's Day event? Add it to the comment seciton below so we can add it to our list!