By Alyssa Ramsfield
Father’s Day is an opportunity to shower your Dad with love and show your appreciation for everything he does all year round. Whether he is an avid angler looking for a day out on the lake or a chance to watch aircraft acrobats, there are plenty of events across Thurston County to keep any dad entertained on his special day.
The first stop on any Father’s Day adventure has to be for food. No Dad is happy on an empty stomach. Thankfully, brunch is readily available on this Sunday holiday for Dads. If your Dad enjoys a waterfront view and casual atmosphere, Budd Bay Café is offering a $30 holiday buffet. With an early opening at 8:30 a.m., Dad can have his fill of cuisine and bottomless Mimosas up until 3:00 p.m. Reservations are highly encouraged as this is a feast fir for a king.
Once Dad is stuffed, take him to check out the 16th Annual Olympic Air Show. The Olympic Flight Museum hosts this Father’s Day weekend event at the Olympia Regional Airport. The show will feature acrobatic performance and spotlight heritage aircraft from the museum’s collection as well.
Aircraft tours are available Saturday and Sunday after 12:00 p.m.. If you want to give Dad a thrill you can treat him to a ride in a B-29 Superfortress or a C-45 Expeditor. Both planes were flown during World War II. Flight opportunities range from $75 – $1500. If Dad prefers to stay on the ground, cockpit tours are only $5.
With three hours of high-flying, action packed air performances from the stands, the Olympic Air Show will leave Dad breathless. The event will also feature a WWII encampment with authentic military vehicles, uniformed personnel, an operational landing zone, and flying helicopters. Food, merchandise, and family fun activities will also be available. Single day admission for the Air Show costs $12 or plan to enjoy the show for both days for the cost of $22 for a weekend pass.
If your Father is looking for a more relaxed afternoon, check out the Offut Lake Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Derby. The event takes place all weekend long and costs only $1. Prizes will be given out including a first prize Chief Smoker for Dad. Grab a day pass to Offut Lake Resort in order to participate. Day passes cost $5 for adults and $4 for children. Boat rentals at the lake range from $25-$75 depending on size.
No matter which event you decide to attend with your Dad it will be a special day for not only him, but for the entire family. So head out across Thurston County on Father’s Day to give the gift of a community experience.
2014 Olympic Air Show at the Olympia Regional Airport
June 14 and 15
Admission: $12 online or $15 at the door, $22 weekend passes also available
Online tickets are available here.
Offut Lake Resort Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Derby
June 14 and 15
4005 120th Ave SE in Tenino, WA 98589
(360) 264-2438
