DAD’S THE BEST
Anupam Chowdhury and his son Avinash, 5, pose for a picture behind a #yqlDads frame, while mom Mita looks on. Hundreds came out to enjoy Father’s Day activities at Galt Gardens on Sunday. The event, organized by Family Centre, featured a motorcycle show by Bikers Against Child Abuse, a dunk tank, barbeque, music, and family activities.
It was a blustery Sunday in Lethbridge, but that didn’t stop hundreds of families from venturing to Galt Gardens to celebrate the men that mean the most to them.
It was the inaugural Father’s Day celebration organized by Family Centre in partnership with Bikers Against Child Abuse, Calgary author Joan Lee Tu, Crazy Indians Brotherhood, the Masons from North Star Lodge #4, and many other sponsors.
“Today we’re celebrating dads in Lethbridge,” said Peter Imhof, executive director of Family Centre. “We’re celebrating dads as one of two parents. Families are the strongest when mom and dad are both engaged in raising their children and today we want to celebrate dads and celebrate the moms that celebrate dads.”
The event featured a motorcycle display from BACA, family games, music, a barbeque and “Rootbeer” garden, Pogo the Penguin, and the chance to “dunk your dad” in a dunk tank, which proved to be popular by the lineup to use it.
There aren’t very many Father’s Day events in the city, Imhof explained, which is why Family Centre wanted to organize one. Judging by the number of people attending, it’s likely they will do it again.
“We hope to do it again next year and see what worked well. It looks like we’ve had some really great people to work with,” said Imhof. “It’s great to see different people talking about how men can have a positive impact on their families and community.”
Family Centre is also encouraging a social media campaign to showcase father figures with the hashtag #yqlDads.
“Whenever you see a dad or an uncle or grandpa having fun with a kid, capture that moment, take a photo, put it on social media with #yqlDads, and let other people know that men are really important parts of our community.”