Celebrate Father’s Day in West Virginia
Father’s Day is that one day a year dedicated to those who fulfill that role in our lives. And according to local stories, West Virginia has a connection to the holiday. In 1908, the first recorded Father’s Day service was held at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South in Fairmont. A woman named Grace Golden Clayton suggested to her minister that the Sunday closest to her father’s birthday become a day to honor all fathers after so many in the community lost their fathers in the Monongah Mine Disaster in 1907. By 1972, it became a national holiday.
Though others around the country are often credited with creating the holiday, the people of Fairmont know the birthplace of Father’s Day. A black and white historical marker is placed at the church that commemorates the first Father’s Day Service. With such strong ties to Father’s Day, it’s only fitting that West Virginians celebrate their fathers and this important day to the fullest. Make Father’s Day special this year by attending one of these incredible events:
- This Father’s Day treat your dad to a picnic at Whittaker Station in Cass. This picnic will include a scenic train ride, a cookout lunch, live music and games at Whittaker Station. The steam-powered train departs from the Cass Depot, through two switchbacks and into several S-curves before arriving at the former logging campsite of Whittaker Station. This sounds like the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day!
- Have a blast with your father at the Downtown Open Father/Child Putt-Putt Golf Tournament presented by the Charleston Area Alliance. The tournament will take place at the Downtown Open Golf course in Charleston and first, second and third places will take home special prizes so get ready to put your game face on.
- For those art-loving fathers, take them to Art in the Park at the Ritter Park Fountain in Huntington. At Art in the Park, 40 artists exhibit and sell their artwork including oil, acrylic, pastels, watercolor paintings, woodcarving, pottery, photography and other fine art. This could also be the perfect place to buy a gift for dear old dad if you haven’t already!
- Is your dad into music? Then you must attend Pickin’ in the Park at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Hop aboard the Island Belle Sternwheeler to get to the island, and from there, it’s an all-out-fun jam session. So make sure to bring your instruments and play some old-time music!
- Spend the weekend with your father in beautiful Davis. Explore the beautiful mountains surrounding Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls State Park. This will be a weekend you and your father never forget!
Do you have any special plans for Father’s Day?
This post was last updated on March 17, 2022