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Calendars aside, you can always tell a holiday is coming up by the commercials that roll forth; this week, it’s been a steady stream of everything from ice cream cake to golf clubs. Ah, Father’s Day is upon us.
Set in a gendered nest of neckties and barbecuing, the day has, like many other holidays, become marred by commercialization pushing you to “buy” instead of “do.”
Father’s Day originated in 1909 as a rural movement organized by Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Wash., in honor of her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran and a widowed dad of six. Celebrated on the third Sunday of every June, Father’s Day wasn’t made a national holiday until 1972, even though President Calvin Coolidge recommended it be recognized as such in 1924.
Now, almost a century after the first Father’s Day, the typical celebration involves buying some power tools or fishing gear, or simply giving the perfunctory card - according to Hallmark, 95 million cards are expected to be given this Father’s Day. Dad will surely be happy enough with such gifts, but if you’re lucky to live near him (which I am not), why not take some time to hang out together this weekend?
Start things off early on June 14 with the Vasona Vibrations summer concert series at Vasona Lake County Park on Blossom Hill Road from 5 to 7 p.m. The group Blah Blah Woof Woof, comprised of Chuck McCabe, Steve Kritzer and Jay Howlett, will be there with its upbeat blend of acoustic Americana, as will dozens of
folks who come to hear the music while enjoying a picnic or some wine. (The show is free; however, parking is $6 per car.)
If your dad is an oenophile, head to Los Gatos’ Jewish Community Center on Oka Road from 6 to 10:30 p.m. for a wine auction. The event will feature local wines, food, jazz by Silicon Vibe and, of course, an auction of unique wines. Tickets are $90; proceeds will go toward the JCC’s various community programs. For more information call (408) 357-7402.

mercurynews.com