Whether he is a coach, a mentor, a shoulder to lean on, or, in my case, my best friend, Father's Day is the time of year to say thank you for every moment your father was there for you. You might be thinking about getting your dad a card and maybe a gift card or a nice pair of work socks. While those are nice gifts that your dad would love, the South Bend Mishawaka area has some events and things going on this Father's Day Weekend that may turn your simple gift into a lifelong memory that you can share with the man you call Dad.

South Bend Cubs Weekend Series

Treat your dad to a great Father's Day Weekend by taking him to go see "America's Pastime" being played at Four Winds Field in South Bend. The South Bend Cubs are in town to take on the Lake County Captains from June 16 to June 18. Come on out to the ballpark to cheer on the hometown team. There will be several different promotions going on throughout the four-game series, including Fantastic Friday Fireworks Night and Flat Screen Saturday. On Father's Day, head out to the ballpark early to be one of the first 1,000 fans in attendance and receive a Eloy Jimenez bobblehead. Also, if you get into the ballpark early enough on Father's Day, you and your dad can play catch on the same field where your favorite South Bend Cubs players play ball.

First pitch is scheduled for:

Friday, 7:35pm EST

Saturday, 7:05pm EST

Sunday, 2:05pm EST

The South Bend Cubs will ensure that you and your dad's time at Four Winds Field will be an enjoyable one with exceptional service and even more exceptional baseball. Be sure to secure your seats by going to www.southbendcubs.com. Go Cubs Go!

Leeper Park Art Fair

Is your dad a fan of art? If so, we have the perfect day planned for you and him. The 49th annual Leeper Park Art Fair takes place on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 (Father's Day) in South Bend. Rated as one of the top 200 shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this juried fine arts fair is going to feature over 100 artists from all over the country. It will include acrylic, watercolor, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass, sculpture, printmaking and wood.

The fair is from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Food vendors will be available both days and light jazz will be played throughout the park. Your father and you can come stroll the grounds and enjoy the arts. The show is sponsored by the St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society. For further details, visit www.leeperparkartfair.org.

Mini Golf in Mishawaka

This is a "hole-in-one." Bring your dad to Putt-Putt Fun Center in Mishawaka, Indiana for 54 holes of mini golf fun. On Father's Day, dads play free (That's right, FREE!!!) Whether you are playing just for fun or take your mini golf skills very seriously, Putt-Putt Fun Center will be able to offer you and your dad with an enjoyable experience--not to mention bragging rights if you happen to beat your old man on the "links."

The Mishawaka Putt-Putt Fun Center is located  at 3615 N. Main Street Mishawaka, IN 46545. Hours of operation are: Monday-Saturday Opens at 9:00AM; Sunday Opens at 12:00PM

Rafting Down the East Race Waterway

If you and your dad are more adrenaline junkies, then you may want to check out the East Race Waterway. As the first artificial white water course in North America, its rapids rival those of the Colorado River and can generate waves up to six feet or higher. The rapids are approximately 2,000 feet long with a total fall of about 12 feet depending on the flow of the river. The water level can be controlled via three headgates based on your skill level whether you never white water rafted before or you are more experienced. Take a kayak or go on a raft down the rapids. It's up to you!

The East Race Waterway is open every weekend in the summer, Saturdays from 12:00pm-5:00pm and Sundays from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Kayaking is $15 per day and rafting is just $5 per person per ride. Go to www.sppark.org for more details and information.