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Celebrate Father’s Day - 101 Year Old Tradition!
Father’s Day has been celebrated in America since 1910 - just a few years after Mother’s Day made its way onto the calendar - though it didn’t officially became a U.S. holiday until 1972. Nonetheless, for decades, families have been taking an opportunity to honor their fathers and grandfathers every June, celebrating with dinner out, a trip to a baseball game, or an opportunity to join together for a Father’s Day Family Picnic. No matter how you choose to celebrate the day, BE SURE to make it special!
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Of course we are a bit partial to picnics because they give families the chance to head out on the road and enjoy a day frolicking in a pretty, natural setting where there’s plenty of room for the kids to run and the parents to relax. So head for the hills…or the park…or the beach.
Father’s Day Picnic Recommendations
A great way to make sure everyone is relaxed and have a great time on your Father’s Day Picnic is to make a list of things you’ll need. There’s nothing worse than getting all the way to your destination and realizing you forgot something. Besides the food, here’s a list of items you might need:
Portable Grill
A BBQ Tool Set
Picnic Table Cover
Picnic Blanket
Serving Utensils
Plates, Bowls, and Cups
Tableware (knives, forks, etc.)
Wet Wipes / Sanitary Wipes
Trash Bags (so nothing is left behind)
All of this equipment can be organized the day before (or even earlier) so that you’re ready to go in the morning or early afternoon, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy your day with Dad. Try one of our Picnic Coolers on Wheels. These “fully loaded” picnic packs have everything you need for a carefree picnic and still have plenty of room for food & drinks!
Choosing a Father’s Day Picnic Location
For some people, the picnic is all about the food. But for most families with kids, the picnic has to be more than just eating. That’s why it’s important to choose a good venue for your Father’s Day Family Picnic – one that will provide plenty for the kids to do.
So, when you’re looking for a location, remember that your average child doesn’t like to sit around and listen to the adults chat. Therefore, you’ll want to find a place that has playgrounds, ball fields, basketball courts, or anything else that might keep the kids busy when they’re not eating.
If the location has picnic tables or groves, find out if you must or can reserve one. If not, you might be taking your chances, so be ready to sit on the grass if necessary or bring along your own portable table and chairs or a nice picnic blanket. Also, look for a spot that has some shade as well as sun.
Father’s Day Picnic Menu
Since it’s Father’s Day, when planning your menu ask for Dad’s requests, and if they’re able to be transported to your picnic site, include them in the day’s fare. Remember, to have insulated coolers and picnic baskets available. Keeping food at a constant temperature is important so that foods won’t spoil.
Remember, simplicity is often the key to a good picnic. If your family includes adults and older children, it’s okay to plan a “sit-down”-type meal with easy-to-eat entrée, side dishes, dessert, and beverages. But if your plans include little ones, it’s often good to include several foods that they can eat on the run like carrot sticks, raisins, small sandwiches, chicken fingers, cheese, and fruit. Place them in zip lock baggies that the kids can carry with them as they move around. Often, it’s too much to expect pre-school and young elementary aged kids to sit around for a long meal. By planning finger foods, you have another option.
For dessert, consider cookies or an unfrosted cake that can be cut in squares and enjoyed without a lot of mess. Check out this simple applesauce cake with a crumby streusel topping.
(makes about 12 servings)
1 c. butter
4 c. flour
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. allspice
3 1/2 c. applesauce
2 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 c. pecans, chopped
Grease the bottom of an oblong 8x12 pan. Heat butter and applesauce together in a large saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Sift together the flour, sugar, salt, soda and spices. Stir in pecans. Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with Streusel Topping (below). Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.
Streusel Topping:
1/4 c. flour
1/4 c. corn flake crumbs
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Combine flour, sugar, corn flake crumbs, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly and sprinkle over cake.
Compliments of Picnic-Basket.com | 1-800-861-8823
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