Roger Roomes (left) and friend Garfield Haisley push their daughters Mickalia and Khiara on to the venue of the first annual Dads of Distinction Father's Day Funfest at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Race Track on Father's Day, Sunday, June 19.
'Fathers dominated the scene as they lapped up the love and attention showered on them by their children and spouses. Some were seen in their roles of strong, supportive males as they assisted the small ones to navigate a rock climb, mount a stationary bull or fly a kite. Others fed their babies and even pushed prams while moms took a well deserved break.'
THE FIRST annual Father's Day Funfest, organised by the newly-formed Dads of Distinction, was held at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Race Track on Sunday, June 19.
The usually busy track and grounds were transformed into a tent city of stalls bearing sponsors and families who tried to beat the heat that raged even as the high winds wafted in from the ocean.
Fathers dominated the scene as they lapped up the love and attention showered on them by their children and spouses. Some were seen in their roles of strong, supportive males as they assisted the small ones to navigate a rock climb, mount a stationary bull or fly a kite. Others fed their babies and even pushed prams while moms took a well deserved break.
Those lucky enough to get a seat in the shade enjoyed the antics of Vibe Master Jerry D who guided proceedings through a variety of entertainers, including Richie Stephens, Peter Lloyd, In2Nation, To Isis, Keisha Patterson and Ken Boothe. Most of the artistes performed free of cost for fathers.
The children enjoyed a variety of rides, bounce-about, hoop shooting, fishing and tasting some of the delicious foods and snacks. Meanwhile, some older children, like attorney Sherry-Ann McGregor, just chilled with her dad, having just enjoyed a lavish brunch elsewhere.
And some media practitioners took time out of their busy schedules to spend quality time with dad. Among them were RJR's Paula Ann Porter who took her dad and the rest of the family out for some fun, and TVJ's Michael Sharpe who was out with his brood.
SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT
Speaking to The Gleaner on behalf of Dads of Distinction, president Dwight Moore said that the inaugural event showed that there is scope for improvement next year and they hope to make it even bigger.
"In the immediate future, Dads of Distinction will continue to conduct seminars aimed at helping inner-city fathers to be better role models, and we will also target schools where we will mentor students who live in areas that are adversely affected by crime and violence."
