As Father’s Day approaches I’m reminded of one of my favorite memories of my dad. It’s a sweet one–both literally and figuratively–that goes back to my early childhood. Back then my dad was flying for the Navy and although he wasn’t overweight, it seemed as if he was always trying to “make weight.” I’m not sure if the Navy had stricter requirements for their pilots back then, or if my father just wanted to look trim in his uniform. Whatever it was, the Battle of the Bulge was a very real thing in our house. As it turned out, my mother took it far more seriously than my father. Sweets and fried foods were contraband and if we kids dared to beg her for goodies at the grocery store she’d remind us that we all needed to pitch in to help daddy lose weight. My father, on the other hand, had a sweet tooth and was always looking for any excuse to cheat on his diet. Since I was the youngest (and least likely to rat him out to my mother) I became his partner in crime. On warm summer evenings after dinner, we’d rendezvous in the backyard and sneak out on a secret mission to the local Dairy Twist for an ice cream cone, or ” a cream” as he use to call them.  We would giggle together at the naughtiness of it all and enjoy our time together almost as much as the forbidden ice cream. Years later after he retired and could enjoy all the ice cream he wanted without the worry of a tight uniform, we would still sneak away to the Dairy Twist and relive our summertime cream missions.

photo: Therese Powell

Here are a few sweet events you and your dad can share together this Father’s Day Weekend.

Treat dad to some retro tunes Saturday night at Southlake Town Square’s Rustin Pavilion. The City of Southlake will be hosting a free concert featuring the Beatles tribute band Me & My Monkey that you won’t want to miss. The group plays songs from Fab Four’s catalog complete with authentic instruments, mod suits and mop tops. You and dad can twist and shout the night away.

Celebrate the summer season and ohana (family) with a traditional luau. Carrollton’s Lava Luau will kick off summer in a big way with live music, hula dancers, vendors, and contests like a Hula Hoop Contest and a Hawaiian Fashion Contest. And as we all know, no luau is complete without festive food, so be sure to come hungry. Choices from the menu include roasted pig, pulled pork, island style rice, and macadamia nut cookies. The Lava Luau happens this Saturday on the square in beautiful downtown Carrollton.

photo: shutterstock.com

One of the best Father’s Day presents a dad can get is one-on-one time with his kiddos doing something he loves, like fishing. Anglers of all ages can reel in the big one at Fishing for Fun this Saturday at Keller Town Hall Pond. This free fishing event is being put on by Keller Parks and Recreation and Texas Parks and Wildlife and is open to all ages (16 and over must have a Texas State fishing license). Bring your own gear and try to catch the biggest catfish. There will be prizes for the biggest and smallest catch, as well as fishing skill challenges.

On Father’s Day round up your favorite papa and head to Heritage Park in Weatherford for PapaPalooza, an interactive event that’s packed with experiences that dad and the whole family will love. Just some of the many, many highlights include bounce houses, magicians, an exotic petting zoo, live music, an obstacle course, golf challenges and a vote for Top Pop. Best of all, the event benefits the Chandor Garden Expansion Project.

DCT’s production of ‘How I Became a Pirate.” Photo: Karen Almond

If it’s nautical nonsense you and dad are craving, don’t miss the National Touring Production of ‘How I Became a Pirate’ this weekend at Dallas Children’s Theater. Based on the book by the same name, this play will instruct you and dad on all the ins and outs of becoming a salty-dog of the high seas. Plus, you can’t go wrong with such musical numbers as “Green Teeth,” “I’m Really Just a Sensitive Guy,” and “You’ve Got to Talk Like a Pirate.” Days later you’ll still find yourself saying “Arrrggghh. Braid Beard and all of his pirate pals will be on stage through July 8.