Lots of kid-centric activities are planned for Southgate Mall this month.

First of all, the mall is hosting a playhouse AND pet palace auction this month. Bidding kicks off on Monday, June 7, and runs until  June 24, with the final auction event taking place from 5 to 6 p.m. on June 24.

More than 10 playhouses for pets, children or perhaps both will be on display in the mall’s Clock Court area. They were built by more than 30 builders and donated to help raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Missoula.

And this upcoming Tuesday, the mall is offering a free Father’s Day craft for kids.

With plenty of time left before Father’s Day, the June 15 event promises a fun and free – but as-yet unnamed – craft activity for children. It’s part of the regular monthly “Southgate Mall Kids Klub” events held once a month at the mall.

For more info, call 721-5140.

- MM

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I may not be an expert on fatherhood, but I think four and a half years of close observation qualifies me to make an authoritative statement or two about fathers. And while I may not know exactly what it takes to be a great dad, I do know a great dad when I see one.

The guy who never once balked at changing a fetid diaper? That’s a great dad.

The man who got a twisted neck and far too little sleep for years because he opted to nap on an uncomfortable couch with a sleeping baby on his chest? A great dad.

The fisherman who makes sure his daughter catches not one, but two fish of her own before he ever reels one in? A great dad.

The world is full of really great dads, but like Connie Schultz says, our appreciation of them doesn’t always match our Father’s Day efforts. This Father’s Day, I hope all the great dads out there are told just what they mean to their families. This Father’s Day, I hope all the great dads of the world know that, to us, they really are the World’s Greatest Dad.

Especially this one.

- Tyler Christensen

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