Here’s to the guy that introduced us to the wonders of our world; the men that bounced us on their laps. Here’s to the dads who taught us to throw a ball and then “suck it up and be tough” when that ball smacked us in the nose.
Mothers Helping Fathers
Father’s Day was first celebrated in our nation on June 19, 1910 in Washington state, about a year after Mother’s Day was first celebrated. Mother’s Day has its origins in the post-Civil War era where one West Virginia town celebrated “Mother’s Work Days” that brought together the mothers of Confederate and Union soldiers. However, Mother’s Day did not become a commercial holiday until 1908, when the John Wanamaker department store in Philadelphia sponsored a service dedicated to mothers in its auditorium.
Cha Ching!
It didn’t take long for other retailers to see the great potential for profit in the holiday and Mother’s Day caught on right away. In 1909, 45 states observed the day, and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official, approving a resolution that made the second Sunday in May a holiday in honor of “that tender, gentle army, the mothers of America.
Dad’s Get a Bad Rap
The campaign to officially celebrate the nation’s fathers did not meet with the same enthusiasm. It took 58 more years until Father’s Day became a nationwide holiday in the United States in 1972. It has been said that the reason for this is because “fathers haven’t the same sentimental appeal that mothers have.” Well, it was the great comedian George Carlin who said, “Oh sh*t, hell is full of dads!”.
Nevertheless, you can not deny the fact that there are more than 70 million fathers in the United States and, let’s be honest, some of them are great dads.
Take a tip from Wanamaker!
People will be searching “#FathersDay” for the next two weeks searching for ideas. It’s time to promote your business! Think about what kind of specials your business can offer on your website to help your customers celebrate their fathers. Sharing gift cards, tickets, auto accessories, clothing, photography, massage, or lunch, brunch, or dinner specials are just a few things businesses can promote for Father’s Day to give customers plenty of options.
What is unique about your profession that would make for a unique gift? For example, a flight school could offer a discounted flying lesson. Perhaps a personalized driving lesson around a race track, or how about drum lessons?
You know that Dad never gave up his dreams of being in a grunge band.
Get Social with Dad
If you have a brick and mortar business, how about social media offerings to those who take selfies with their fathers at your place of business and tag your business on Facebook?
With a little effort, you can come up with some great ideas to Broadcast your Business this Father’s Day.
Sources
Achaabdan, George Carlin Used Comedy to Preach His Views on Death
George Carlin, Parents in Hell