(NAPSA)—When Sonora Smart Dodd conceived of Father’s Day nearly 100 years ago, she favored wearing a red rose to honora living father and a white flower to honor a deceased dad. Thislittleknown fact can be the basis for a variety of outdoor activities this Father’s Day. Show dad that love can grow best in his own backyard: Plant flowers or prune roses with young children to remember the holiday’s origins. If Dad’s children are all grown, plant or display roses to honorthe day. Since not every father is lucky enough to spend the day with his family, celebrate with those you know will be alone. Bring roses to special men who’ve been like a father and explain the significance of the gift. Go even further by organizing neighbors to spend some time fixing up an older father’s yard—mowthe lawn, trim the hedges and pull weeds. For fathers and grandfathers whose families aren’t nearby, the gifts of time, assistance and friendship can be the most precious and not likely to be forgotten. Want to make a bigger splash for the holiday? Host a backyard party and invite fathers, grandfathers and their families to the celebration; remember to include those isolated fathers with distant families. Don’t forget the flowers. Give all fathers and grandfathers a red rose of appreciation. Ask other guests to wear red roses and white flowers to remember the special fathers in their lives. Make the day fun: Let dads competefor the title of “grill master,” and all guests can enjoy the rewards. While some fathers take turns at the grill, pair other dads up with their children for lawn games. Traditional games and races, as well as balls, Frisbees or even a minigolf set, will keep everyone active and interactive. Pictured above: a satisfied Dad atop a John Deere mower. He'll rememberhis special day as he groomstheyard in style. End the night with a special time of remembrance. Set up a campfire or just crowd around the grill to toast marshmallows and exchangestories about the wonder of dads. Youngsters and fathers can even continue the fun with an overnight campout. After a long day of celebration, it’s always nice to leave Dad with something to remind him of the day. Give him the materials to enjoy the outdoorsall year long: New pruning shears and garden tools will help him tend the roses and flower beds. A string trimmer, blower and edger will keep both his own lawn as well as the yardsof other neighborhood fathers looking great. Anew lawn mower from one of the best-known families in America, John Deere, will remind him that traditional values like quality and commitment help keep families strong. Your proud father will be able to rememberhis special day as he groomsthe yard in style and prepares for next summer’s celebration. He may even decide just being a father is the most wonderful gift ofall.
