Father’s Day fun in the Riverina is not hard to find. Photo: Klara Kulikova on Unsplash.
Father’s Day as we know it today began as a tragedy in the United States – a church service in 1908 to honour 350 men who died in a terrible mining disaster the previous year.
The choice of date has no origin as far as historians can understand. However, it is a widely held belief that the month was chosen for purely commercial benefit – September places Father’s Day almost exactly halfway between Mother’s Day and Christmas.
Despite its sombre beginnings and vague date, Father’s Day in Australia has since evolved into a day of gratitude for any and all special men in our lives or no longer with us. Read on to find out how you can celebrate and remember them in the Riverina this weekend.
Head to your local for a slap-up lunch
There’s bound to be a local pub with a special to suit – Romano’s has a $29.50 ribs and wings special, an $18 roast and dessert option, and $5 kids’ meals. Bookings are essential. If you can drag the man of the moment out of bed, the Wagga RSL has a buffet breakfast from 8 o’clock, as well as dinner and lunch specials.
The Tolland Hotel is going all out on Sunday – offering breakfast, lunch and dinner specials, with live music from midday, and a Best Dad Joke competition. Drop your best (clean!) dad joke in the comments on the hotel’s Facebook page, and the winner will be announced on the day.
Of course, when the Thirsty Crow’s Father’s Day activities are over, patrons are more than welcome to quench their thirst. Photo: Thirsty Crow.
For those experiencing their first Father’s Day without their dad, father figure, child, or loved one, Riverina’s pregnancy and baby loss support group BLOSS is hosting a Bereaved Father’s Day lunch at the Turvey Tavern – a simple way to show support to a mate on a day that’s not always happy for everyone.
The Thirsty Crow Brewery will also be supporting BLOSS – its Father’s Day event, hosted by head brewer Craig and his sons Loch (7) and Whittaker (5), will feature games and activities over lunch specials. All proceeds will benefit BLOSS. Bookings are essential, so click here to join in.
Donate to a local charity in his name
Make a donation to your local Men’s Shed to support the improvement of men’s mental health in regional communities. Find out how to support your local Men’s Shed here.
Sam Parker’s charity Grab Life By The Balls regularly hosts events in the Riverina and all over Australia to encourage men from all walks of life to catch up with each other over burgers and brews, with the aim to create an environment for Aussie men to find their own ways to connect.
Is your dad a fan of the finer things? Want a step up from the pub?
The function marquee at Food I Am’s property Nu-Lumeah, in the hills of Springvale near Wagga, where seats are still available for the annual Father’s Day luncheon. Photo: Food I Am via Instagram.
Many beautiful dining establishments all over the Riverina are hosting luncheons to celebrate and spoil the men in our lives – bookings are essential for all. Cottontail Wines is hosting a three-course lunch at its vineyard, with an option for children. Check out the menu here.
Food I Am is also dishing up a three-course Sunday lunch featuring its own award-winning range of small-batch produce and carefully sourced local ingredients. Check out the menu and book tickets here.
Get out and about in the Riverina
Motoring enthusiasts will not be disappointed by Wagga’s premier lawnmower race meet – and yes, you read that right! Wagga Go-Kart Track will come alive with Motor Mania – food, drinks, music and entertainment for the whole family! Book tickets here.
For the sports fans, don’t miss the grand finals of the Southern Inland Rugby Union. The top teams in the seniors competition will be battling it out at Wagga’s Conolly Park on Saturday, so rug up for a great day of the region’s best rugby. Check out the Facebook page to see what teams will be vying for the top prize, as well as gate pricing on the day.
Ride-on mower racing is a growing sport. Photo: Supplied.
For those looking for a more relaxed weekend, Father’s Day farmers’ markets will be popping up all over the Riverina (also a great opportunity to pick up a last-minute gift!). On Saturday, Ardlethan District Lions Club will host markets at Lions Park in Ardlethan, while the Rotary Club is supporting the monthly Farmers & Makers Markets in Leeton’s Mountford Park.
On Sunday, Cootamundra Antique Motor Club is bringing back ”the friendly swap” – the annual Father’s Day Swap Meet, with all things weird and wonderful up for grabs. Narrandera Lions Club is also hosting markets on Sunday at the Shady Gum Nursery.
Show your appreciation with a heartfelt pressie
The best of the region in one little box! Photo: The Boutique Box.
Keep your spending local if you’re stuck for gift ideas – Knight’s Deli hampers with regional food, drinks and snacks are always a firm favourite. Check out the full range here. Food I Am also offers hampers full of its chef’s handcrafted sauces, available to order here.
Order your favourite guy a box full of sweet treats from Wagga local Matt’s Cakes – you cannot go wrong with homemade cupcakes and donuts. Head to his Instagram to snag your box.
Wagga-based gifting company The Boutique Box will do all the work for you – its curated gift boxes compile the best items from a huge variety of local businesses. All you have to do is hand it over (and you may not even have to do that, because delivery is offered within Wagga and surrounds!).
Of course, if all else fails, you can’t go wrong with old faithful – socks, jocks and chocolates.
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