The Real Reason For Father's Day

I didn't plan to be less active over the last few weeks, nor did I plan on posting so little about spending locally for Father's Day. Until today it wasn't clear to me why both of those things have happened, although there have been multiple times I've been here staring at this page and the words just wouldn't come out.

  

Now I know why it was a struggle. There are things in life one feels passionately about and you've all seen my fierce commitment to choosing local and the stubbornness I feel towards using chain stores just because of convenience or a savings of a few cents in the long run. My commitment to our valued independents might be one of the things I care the most deeply about and yet for days upon days I've had nothing to say.

It's the fault of Father's Day. I completely and totally blame the holiday. Normally there's plenty of encouragement from me about how to think, plan, commit to spending locally. But I hit a wall and didn't even know why until today; simply put, it's because some things can't be bought. What dad wants this coming Sunday isn't stuff; trinkets; things. He wants your time - a day spent with his son or daughter that likely he admires far more than you know. There isn't such a need for me to create some graphics telling you what items you could go buy locally - because that may not be the point here.

See, Mother's day was a breeze - because moms love flowers, getting dressed up to go to a nice brunch, jewelry and gifts. Mothers often cherish those items for years and they remember every occasion when they received something special. Yes, women are different and there's not a damn thing wrong with that. Where the support of our beloved local businesses CAN come in this weekend is as you choose the activities to enjoy WITH dad.

Thus the post from a few days ago - the only one I could come up with - listing some things to do with your father this weekend while making a point to choose local. You CAN absolutely remain committed to spending at a family owned and operated business. There are a wide variety of recreational pursuits which can be picked over just dinner at a chain restaurant or a movie in a big cinema complex. Instead why not drive out into the country to go to that amazing little BBQ joint that your whole family loves; plan a group night at a drive-in movie theater if you are lucky enough to have one; take everyone including the non-golfers to an indie sporting facility and learn to putt or bowl or play in the batting cages. I'm willing to bet your dad would love it. Mine would have.

Please don't forget the reason for the day and remember, this holiday might just take a little more planning for a totally awesome and creative "Fun-day for Dad" - but it's worth it. You can make his day special and memorable, all while working your plans right around our suggestions for choosing better and spending locally. After all, the places you may want to go, they're all close by and right where you live, aren't they? #loveyourlocal

Choose better - spend with independently-owned businesses (and real people!) where you live. Follow us as "Live Local USA" on our social channels below!