Fathers in America can thank Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington for their special day.
While listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, Dodd decided that fathers should also be honored in the same way.
Her father, William Smart, raised six children alone on his farm in Washington after his wife died during childbirth. Dodd suggested to the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA that they make Father’s Day a celebration. She chose June 5 because it was her father’s birthday.
Although the idea received strong support, ministers requested a date later in the month so that they could have time to prepare their sermons.
The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. It became an annual event, and other cities soon followed in introducing their own celebrations.
Despite widespread popular support, the first proposal to recognize Father’s Day as a national holiday was not introduced until 1913, and despite the support of President Woodrow Wilson, the issue was not resolved.
The holiday was not officially designated until 1966, when President Lyndon Johnson declared the third Sunday in June an annual day to honor fathers. It became law in 1972 under President Richard Nixon.
While ways to honor Dad may vary from person to person, and even year to year, we’re sharing some Stark County restaurants with ways to help.
1015 Edison St. NW in Hartville; 330-877-9353
Hartville Kitchen is offering summer specials as part of its Father’s Day celebration, including a tomato and basil chicken dinner, BBQ braised pork sandwich, buffalo chicken salad and strawberry rhubarb pie. Prices vary.
6560 Strip Ave. in Jackson Township; 330-966-2426
Until Sunday, Carrabba’s is celebrating with a menu fit for a king. With an Italian old-fashioned cocktail, spicy palermo wings, Tuscan grilled ribeye with bourbon butter and sogno egg cioccolata (a chocolate dream). Prices vary.
1700 55th St. NE in Canton; 330-497-1000
A bourbon, beef and bacon ($39) Father’s Day event will take place Sunday at 12:30 p.m., including a carefully curated selection of Gervasi bourbons, each paired with beef and bacon creations by Brent House, sous chef of the banquet event at Gervasi. Call for reservations.
425 Tuscarawas St. E in Canton; 234-521-5701
Sunday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Brunch selections include a sweet and spicy BLT, smoked salmon bagel with crispy breakfast biscuits and choice of sausage or bacon, or fried eggs with mushrooms, shallots, sautéed spinach, goat cheese and a toasted baguette. Prices vary.
Italian version: Review: Angello’s 2 Go makes Italian takeout delicious and easy
7257 Fulton Drive NW in Jackson Township; 330-818-1789
Sunday at 6 p.m. there will be a bourbon tasting with Thai street food buffet ($50), including food, samples of three top-shelf bourbons and live music. Call for reservations.
5650 Quarry Lake Drive SE in Canton; 330-488-3178
Sunday from noon to 9 p.m., specials include $10 burgers and fries and $4 large domestic taps. Dad can also shop at The Quarry Proshop for 35% off all clothing. Call for reservations.
2101 Hall of Fame Way NW in Canton; 234-900-1972
Served after brunch Friday through Sunday, dads can celebrate Father’s Day and National Bourbon Day on the same weekend, with specials on grilled 12 ounce ribeye, blackened mahi-mahi, 14 ounce double cut pork chop and $10 gametime snack signature cocktail or Signature cocktail from Gold Jacket. Opening hours and prices vary. Call for reservations.
Fries become chic! Hold the passport! Fizzlestix in Perry Twp. takes guests on a Tour of Fries
5081 Fulton Drive NW in Jackson Township; 330-956-5860
There will be a Father’s Day special on Sunday from 11am to 8pm including a large one-topping pizza worth $24.99 and 12 wings. Call to order.
Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County eateries are offering special flavors for Father’s Day
