Written by: Betty Berrysmith, Jules Market
June is known for its celebration of Father’s Day. There are lots of stories about when and who started Father’s Day, but all seem to agree that it’s a time for children and families to celebrate their fathers.
This June 18th marks the 100th year of Father’s Day, according to a common story. Sonora Smart Dodd, from Spokane Washington, was struck with the idea of celebrating her father during a Mother’s Day church service. In 1909, Dodd approached the Spokane YMCA and suggested her father’s birthday, June 5th, as the day for observance – however, needing more time to prepare, it was decided to celebrate on June 19th instead.
The State of Washington celebrated it first on June 19, 1917. It spread through the United States, and in 1924, President Coolidge officially recognized the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Congress officially recognized it in 1956 with the passage of a joint resolution, and 10 years later, Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation calling for the 3rd Sunday in June to be recognized.
Father’s Day festivities always include food. Grilling is synonymous with Father’s Day. Lots of fathers ”man the BBQ grill” preparing their favorite dishes. In South Carolina, my father-in-law, Mott McClary, was known for grilling one of his hogs using his famous Carolina “BBQ mop and sauce” prepared with Frank’s Hot Sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes salt and pepper. Potato salad, grilled corn-on-the-cob and homemade peach cobbler or pound cake could usually be found at the table, too.
Here in the Coachella Valley, June grilling is likely to be prepared early to avoid the 100 plus heat. A great idea might be to pick up a Father’s Day gift basket with all the items dad needs for grilling: utensils, briquettes or propane, chicken, steak, vegetable fixings and dessert. And don’t forget the beer or wine.
Stop by Jules Market, where they can create a special Father’s Day basket just for you or dad. Jules Market CEO, Jeremy Cullifer’s, remembers his Father’s Days from years past: “Since my father was a minister, we were in church on Sundays. After church, there was a potluck dinner and my favorite part of the meal was Campbell Pork & Beans with Hawaiian sweet rolls.” To learn more about Jules Market, contact Betty Berrysmith, Resident Wine Specialist, at Jules Market – 78-130 Calle Tampico in La Quinta; (760) 777-9000.