A West Liberty resident hoped to make her dad’s day a little extra special this weekend for Father’s Day when she nominated his easy chair in the Bellefontaine Examiner’s Ugliest Recliner Contest this month, with the chance to win a new recliner donated by Tanger’s Furniture.
Sarah Painter said her parents Robert and Denise Painter have had some of the same furniture in their home, including the easy chair, since they were married about 28 years ago.
“It’s time for a change,” she said with a laugh.
Her family was excited and surprised to learn Thursday that they had won the contest.
“It was pretty unexpected, and I’m so glad that we’ll be able to pick up this really nice, new chair for my dad. I’m sure he’ll enjoy it a lot, and it is well-deserved for everything he does for our family.”
Ms. Painter related that their family, which also includes her sister, Bethany Nelson, was looking forward to spending time with her dad’s brother along with his parents, Bob and Judy Painter of Bellefontaine, over the weekend for a multi-generational Father’s Day gathering.
She also noted that her father loves watching the soccer and the Columbus Crew, and enjoys reading and traveling.
For the contest, area residents were invited to e-mail photos of their “ugly recliner” by June 16 to the newspaper. The winner was selected by a blind draw.
Bob Chapman, Examiner advertising director, said the newspaper wanted to host this contest to honor area fathers and also spotlight the generosity of an area business, Tanger’s Furniture in downtown Bellefontaine, that donated the recliner to the winning family.
“We thought it was a fun idea and a way that families could pay tribute to their dads at Father’s Day,” he said. “We also wanted to work with a local business and highlight them during this busy summer season, when all of our previous health restrictions are easing.”