Get Out: Five Ideas For Your Weekend

This time of year brings up so many memories for me: cheering for "The Grand Finale" at the local fireworks show, begging for a sparkler to write my name in the air, the looks of terror on my parents' faces as the neighborhood kids' rogue bottle rockets landed on our roof.

I am happy to report that this 4th of July weekend brings with it plenty of opportunities to make even more great memories. Just keep that fire extinguisher close.

Our goal is to make the Get Out planner as reliable as possible, but keep in mind, some events change at the last minute. We advise calling ahead just in case.

When/Where: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. this Friday at participating businesses listed below.

Why Go: On the first Friday of July, August and September, shoppers can help out chariites by shopping locally. The charity for July is Carol's Kitchen. Participating businesses include: , By the Way Espresso Lounge and Bookstore, , Romantique,  and . Please note: Cherry Tree Cottage Antiques is now located at 196 E. 6th St. in Beaumont.

Pricing: 10% of all purchases goes to Carol's Kitchen

When/Where: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. this Saturday at 1097 State St. in downtown Hemet

Why Go: Check out a diverse array of unique cars at this fun car show hosted by Lo Nuestro. You can even enter your own special vehicle. All makes and models are welcome including cars, bikes, pedal cars and even model cars too. 

Pricing: Free admission for spectators, $20 car entry, $10 bicycle entry, $10 pedal car entry, $5 model car entry

When/Where: All day this Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the

Why Go: The SandTrap is celebrating Independence Day by hosting an all-day happy hour throughout this 4th of July weekend.

Pricing: $2.50 domestic drafts and $2.50 well drinks

When/Where: 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. this Saturday at the

Why Go: Everyone is invited to the Banning Public Library for the Annual Ice Cream Social. There will be games, crafts and, of course, lots of delicious ice cream!

Pricing: Free

When/Where: 12 p.m.-10 p.m. this Monday at Stewart Park near Ninth Street and Orange Avenue in Beaumont

Why Go: Celebrate Independence Day at Stewart Park with your friends and neighbors. Cool off in the pool from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. for just $1. Enjoy live music by The Basix at 5 p.m. and Three Dog Night at 7:30 p.m. There will also be games, a Guitar Hero contest, great food and cold drinks too. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner to the Pyrospectacular Fireworks Show which begins at 9 p.m. The show will be simulcast on KOLA 99.9. Admission to everything but swimming is free.

Pricing: Free admission, $1 swimming

Fireworks are festive, but they can also be very dangerous.

Did we miss anything? Share your best ideas for this 4th of July weekend in the comment box below.