From brunch tables at Underdog BBQ to climbing walls at ASCEND Erie, families spent Father’s Day enjoying time together.

Many businesses offered discounts or even items with no charge, such as ASCEND, which made rock wall climbing free for fathers over the weekend.

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“We love having families climbing here, as you can see, we have a lot of families that climb here, we have a lot of dads with kids that love coming in. So, we wanted to have something to get the community largely to come in and bring the rest of their families with them,” Kiran Shah, a fitness instructor for ASCEND Erie, said.

Other businesses, such as Underdog BBQ, made a feast specifically aimed at fathers to celebrate the occasion.

“It’s always nice to be able to give back to them because they’re there for us when we’re growing up. As we’re kind of aging, they’re growing up with us, so it’s kind of our turn to be there for them and to celebrate them,” Ashley Messenger, owner of Underdog BBQ, said.

Whether it’s a rock wall climb, a meal or a walk in the park, Dads said the best gifts aren’t necessarily wrapped, but spending quality time with others.

“Well, that’s the thing that lasts, you know? The memories that you make is what really last, and that’s why doing an activity like this really means a lot more than gifts,” Eric Guerrein, a father at ASCEND, said.

Business owners said events and specials like these help create opportunities for families to connect while supporting local establishments.

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