Kite Fest will take place at Marcy Field in Keene Valley from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday for Father’s Day. (Photo provided — Diane Chase)

My husband and I have long come to terms with the fact that most of our hard-earned funds go directly toward our children. The money pit is not our house, though lately the house has decided to compete for our available funds. Both offspring and house do offer us a certain level of comfort, though I’m betting on the kids for the long-term investment. Fingers crossed.

Special days designated toward parents are always met with a bit of controversy. There are those people with complex relationships with parents. There are those of us who have lost parents and those of us that are unable to be parents. There are also many people who never wish to be parents. My feeling about any special designation day or holiday is that it is my choice to celebrate it. I can look beyond the traditional views of Father’s Day and turn my energy toward all the various role models in my life. I turn it toward all the positive ways that so many male role models help shape young people through teaching, service and activities.

To celebrate the fathers and positive role models in our lives there, we always try to attend some of the wonderful events happening around the Tri-Lakes.

The Adirondack SUP (stand-up paddleboard) Festival is taking place Friday to Sunday at Lake Colby Beach in Saranac Lake. Demos, instruction, races and discounts are just a few things on the weekend schedule of events. Organized by the experts at Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, there are various fees for outings, but the best deal is the $5 for a weekend of dry-land clinics and on-water demos. Go to AdirondackSUPFestival.com.

Two fun runs are happening Saturday, June 15. The Thirst Project Run/Walk at the Saranac Lake High School. Registration starts at 2 p.m. with a Kids Fun Run at 2:30. The 5K begins at 3 p.m. The cost is $10 per child and $15 per adult. Prizes will be awarded. The proceeds from the event will help to provide clean drinking water in one of 13 developing countries. Go to https://my.thirstproject.org/slhs.

Over the mountain in Wilmington, the third annual 10K Whiskey Run is taking place to benefit the Wilmington Historical Society. Following the path of the Prohibition Bootleggers, registration starts at the Wilmington Festival Field from 8 to 9:15 a.m. with a 9:30 a.m. start. The fee is $35 the day of the race. Prizes are awarded and food, activities, raffles and beverage tastings will all take place after the race. More information is available at www.adkwhiskeyrun.com.

The next day, June 16, there are a few Father’s Day highlights to spend time with the role model of your choice. The Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club, Woods and Waters, and Wylie’s Flies are co-sponsoring the annual Kids’ Fishing Derby from 8 a.m. to noon at Lake Colby Beach. This event is free for children ages 16 and under.

The 12th annual East Branch Friends of the Arts Kite Fest will take place at Marcy Field in Keene Valley from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (along with the farmers market). Bring your own kite to fly or purchase a kite there, along with many delicious farmers market refreshments.

Dads can mini-golf for free at Boots and Birdies in Lake Placid, with a paying participant. There are other activities onsite as well such as a ropes course, bungee jumping, along with food and beverages.

Have a great weekend, and at the very least, celebrate yourself.

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Diane Chase is the author of the “Adirondack Family Activities” guidebook series, “Adirondack Family Time: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities.” For more family-friendly activities, go to www.adirondackfamilytime.com.