Father's Day in Oz, 2023

Did you know that Father's Day did not become an official national holiday until 1972?!  In contrast, Mother's Day has been in official existance since 1914, though the first Father's Day in the country was actually celebrated before that.  According to the History Channel, Sonora Scott Dodd of Spokane, Washington is considered the founder of Father's Day after she successfully established it as a holiday in her state in 1910 in honor of her own father, a widow who raised her and her 5 siblings.

Eventually the holiday spread, but why such a long delay in being recognized nationally? Well, most likely it was because the idea wasn't considered commercially marketable; after all, men aren't as 'sentimental' as women and weren't, historically speaking, given gifts to demonstrate affection in the same way that women were.  In fact, it was the fathers, themselves, who slowed the spread, complaining of commercialism and, after all, it was "their money" that paid for the gifts.  My, how times have changed.

If you have a father to celebrate in your life on Father's Day, you'll want to do it locally, of course, and we can help you with that!  Read on for the more traditional, and not so traditional, gift-giving ideas for dad available in Oz.

For the Golfer

Let's face it, there are a good number of dads who like to golf. Luckily, there are a good number of places in Oz to do that and gift certificates or a tee time make a worthy present for the father who loves this particular hobby.  Ozaukee's own county courses, Hawthorne Hills and Mee-Kwon Park, are worthy spots, but you can also try Missing Links in Mequon, The Bog in Saukville, and Edgewater Golf Club or Fire Ridge Golf Club in Grafton.  Speaking of Fire Ridge, their Flannery's Restaurant offers a special Father's Day Breakfast with Dad from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 18th with a chance to win a foursome on the course!

Traditional golfing is great, but some dads go for Disc Golf and Oz has two great courses, including Tendick Park in Saukville and Stoney Creek Disc Golf Course in Fredonia.  Looking for a new disc for dad?  Try Cedarburg Toy Co.!

For the Outdoorsman

For the father who is into hunting, fishing, camping or kayaking, look no further than Sherper's in Port Washington!  From knives to boots and tents to decoys, Sherper's has what the outdoorsman in your life is looking for.  

For the Handyman or Gardener

A new tool or a gift certificate for dad to pick out his own is a great idea!  Try Drew's True Value in Port Washington, Hahn Ace Hardware in Mequon, the Grafton Ace Hardware, or Beyer's True Value in Cedarburg.  For the dad who can't get enough plants, try Heyden's Garden Center or Groth's Country Gardens in Cedarburg, Frenz Garden Center in Thiensville, or Gene Fransee & Son/Kletzien Garden Center in Port Washington

For the Craft Beer Aficionado

One thing Oz really has going on is a lot of local breweries, so take dad there or bring some to him, but keep it local!  Try Rebellion Brewing or The Fermentorium in Cedarburg, Sahale Ale Works in Grafton, Inventors Brewpub in Port Washington, or Foxtown Brewing in Mequon.  For the dad who is looking for a different drink, try The Shinery, The Cedarburg Winery or Handen Distillery in Cedarburg, or Vines to Cellar in Port Washington

For the Birder

For the birding dad in your life, a new birdfeeder, seed, or a gift certificate for those might be just the ticket.  Try Wild Birds Unlimited or The Feed Bag Pet Supply in Mequon, Landmark Feed, Seed & Supply in Cedarburg, or Saukville Feed Supplies or Pet Supply Port in Saukville. For an added gift, consider spending some time at Riveredge Nature Center, Mequon Nature Preserve, or one of the many Treasures of Oz natural areas to do some bird watching!

For the Father's Day Cookout

A Father's Day cookout is the tradition for many families. Looking for the perfect cut of meat for the grill?  Try Bernie's Fine Meats in Port Washington, The Creamy Pig in Cedarburg, Blau's Saukville Meats, Foxtown Heritage Meats in Mequon, or Schwai's Meat & Sausage in Fredonia.  For the perfect charcuterie board for the party, or ham & rolls for a Sunday Father's Day brunch, hit up Frannie's Market in Cedarburg.  Don't feel like hosting the event at your place?  The Port Washington Beer Garden at Upper Lake Park opens for the season with their Cheers to Dad event from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., featuring live music, food, and beer, of course!

Shopping for Father's Day Gifts

Sometimes you just need to wander around the right shop to find the perfect gift and Oz has several that appeal to the menfolk.  The Cedar Creek Apothecary, located in the Cedar Creek Settlement, is offering 20% off all male grooming products through Father's Day weekend.  While in Cedarburg, you might also try Weeds or The Irish Boutique for the Irish father in your life.  In Port Washington, Locally Inspired or Eclectic Avenue are good bets.

Whatever you decide to get the fathers in your life for Father's Day, shopping locally makes it a win-win.  That being said, don't underestimate the value of your time; sharing it with the people you love is one of the very best gifts you can give.  Happy Father's Day, dads of Oz!