Feature Story

"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."Mark TwainFather's Day is upon us. A day to cherish those special men in our lives. We can thank Sonora Dodd, of Washington State, for recognizing the need to give dad his due. Inspired by a Mother's Day sermon she had heard, Mrs. Dodd decided she wanted to create a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran, who was widowed when his wife died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. Because his birthday was in June, she held the first Father's Day celebration on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. But it wasn't until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day. And, finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law.It has now become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles and grandfathers are all recognized on Father's Day.Besides the gift, there is much going on this weekend to enjoy with that special guy. That is, if he wants to do something besides finding a ball game to watch on TV. Here are the Herald's picks for some Father's Day fun.

Celebrate the all-too brief strawberry season, with a visit to the North Fork's Strawberry Festival, Friday through Sunday, June 17-19. The event features music, rides, ethnic foods. and, of course, shortcake. You can also enjoy fireworks on Friday and Saturday, and check out the hand-made crafts vendors on Saturday and Sunday. Dads ride free on Father's Day. For further information, contact (631) 298-2222.

If Dad is an animal lover, enjoy a "playdate" with him at the Bronx Zoo. Once again, the Bronx Zoo celebrates dads - the human and animal kind - with two days of special activities, Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Besides visiting with the animals and meeting some of the Zoo's animal keepers, there are games, storytelling and music throughout the weekend. Bronx Zoo, Bronx River Pkwy. and Fordham Rd., Bronx. (718) 367-1010.

Visit an early summer festival with Dad. Browse among a wide variety of arts and crafts and general merchandise, with entertainment and family activities. Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Seaford LIRR Station, Sunrise Hwy.

(631) 724-5966.

Why not follow in the style of former president George Bush with an adrenaline-charged sky dive? Freefall at 120 mph for one minute, then enjoy a serene canopy overlooking the shoreline, with certified instructors. Spadoro's Airport, 91 Montauk Hwy., East Moriches. (866) LIJUMPS.

The Belmont Stakes may have come and gone, but there's still plenty of action at the racetrack. If Dad is a horse racing buff, bring him to Belmont racetrack for a day of racing on Sunday. Spend the afternoon picnicking in the "backyard" picnic area, grab a seat along the stretch, or enjoy a buffet lunch at the Garden Terrace. Belmont Park, Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. (516) 488-1740 or www.nyra.com.

Treat Dad to a sumptuous brunch at New York Institute of Technology. NYIT's renowned chefs have prepared an elaborate feast in the Gold Coast setting of the de Seversky Center, on Sunday, 10 a.m.-noon. Reservations required. New York Institute of Technology, Northern Blvd., Old Westbury.

(516) 686-7675.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on Nautical Cruise Lines' Victorian-style Paddlewheeler, seeing the sights along Long Island's southern coast, Sunday, June 19, 1-4:30 p.m. A buffet luncheon is served, with entertainment. Reservations required. 28A Woodcleft Ave, Freeport. (516) 623-5712.

If Dad enjoys classial music, spend a relaxing afternoon at Old Westbury Gardens, featuring a concert in Westbury House's Red Ballroom, Sunday, June 19, 3 p.m. Tickets are required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Westbury. (516) 333-0048.