Is it just me or does dear ol’ Dad seem to get the shaft after all the hubbub of Mother’s Day?

I wouldn’t survive without the fine examples of my father, husband and father-in-law. We have yet to establish Father’s Day traditions beyond stuffing our faces with some marvelous concoction from our grill so I did some digging to find local happenings worthy of the great fathers in our lives:

Arvada’s Father’s Day 5K Run & Car Show
Arvada is a fun place to be on June 19 and be sure to start with the Father’s Day 5K Run and Family Fun Run at 8 a.m. that winds through the tree-lined neighborhood streets west of the Apex Center. The registration fee ($30) includes a deluxe pancake breakfast and tech shirt (also don’t forget to enter the Ugly Tie Contest!). From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the 7th annual Father’s Day Car Show will showcase classic cars, music, refreshments and kids’ activities in the Apex Center parking lot.

City Park Jazz
Pack a special picnic, grab a blanket and head on over to City Park on June 19 at 6 p.m. for their FREE summer concert series. Rekha Ohal (whose sound is allegedly like Steely Dan stuck in a New Delhi train station) will be performing at the bandstand by City Park Pavilion on Ferril Lake. Tip: If you can’t fit this into your schedule, City Park Jazz runs every Sunday from June 5 to Aug. 7 from 6-8 p.m.

Father’s Day Blue’s, Brews and BBQ at Randolph’s
Celebrate Father’s Day at Randolph’s at Warwick Denver Hotel with their Blues, Brews and BBQ from noon to 5 p.m. on June 19. Enjoy live blues music on the patio while they grill and you do the beer tasting (from Breckenridge Brewery!). This all-you-can drink feast is only $19 per person.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
You can’t beat this deal from Royal Gorge Bridge and Park: Free admission for all dads on Father’s Day. Come and celebrate with the whole family at the world’s highest suspension bridge that spans the Arkansas River at a height of 1,053 feet.

Frisco BBQ Challenge
If Dad loves BBQ, the 18th Annual Colorado BBQ Challenge in Frisco is THE event for him. Held June 16 – 18, there are plenty of activities for the entire family including pig racing, Buskers, live music from Hot Buttered Rum, Bravo’s Top Chef cooking demo with CJ Jacobson, not to mention all the great food and most importantly, BBQ!

Prostate Cancer 5K Race and 1K Family Walk
A few years ago, my father had a bout with prostate cancer so this worthwhile fundraiser is close to my heart. On June 18, honor your Dad at the Second Annual Set the Pace for Prostate Cancer 5K Race and 1K Family Walk at 8 a.m. at Stapleton Central Park. Race proceeds will benefit the Prostate Conditions Education Council.

Take Dad Out to the (Rockies) Ballgame!
If Dad is a sports fan, he will love some bonding time at the Colorado Rockies vs. Detroit Tigers game at 1:10 p.m. at Coors Field. Grab a Rockies dog, cold beer and make it an afternoon to remember. Call 303-ROCKIES for tickets.

Thunder on the Mountain at Bandimere Speedway
If Dad feels the need for speed, he will love Thunder on the Mountain presented by Grease Monkey. This Father’s Day showcase race event features 250 mph Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars. Tickets range from $8-25. Discount Tickets and Coupons available are at area Grease Monkey Locations.

Denver Firefighter’s Museum Father’s Day Spaghetti Dinner
Dads and kids will love spending Father’s Day at the Denver Firefighter’s Museum from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. In addition for a spaghetti dinner ($15/person; children ages 4 and under are free), take fun photos with Dad on the vintage firetruck and later go for a ride in a firetruck. Sponsored by Noodles and Company Lakewood and reservations are required.

Father-Daughter Ball
On June 18 from 6-9 p.m., an enchanted evening awaits fathers and daughters at the 19th annual Father-Daughter Ball at Westminster’s City Park Recreation Center. The event includes a sit-down dinner, dancing, a professional photograph, carriage ride and refreshments. Children must be at least five years old and the cost is $30 per person ($36 non-resident per person). The event sells out so be sure to jump on this now by calling 303-658-2192.

Father’s Day Scotch Beer Dinner at the Wynkoop.
On Thursday, June 30, 2011, celebrate with two of Dad’s favorite offerings: food and beer at the Wynkoop Brewing Company. Braised Buffalo Short Rib over creamy Stilton grits, scotch peppercorn demi glace, potatoes au gratin and grilled summer squash are just a few things on the menu that costs $40 (plus tax and tip). Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and reservations must be made at banquets@wynkoop.com or 303-297-9999.

Happy Father’s Day to dear ‘ol Dad!

What are your Father’s Day traditions?