BargainView By Monica Barber
The heat is on and summer is in full swing! Rising temperatures have everyone occupied looking for anything to do before the dog days arrive. Now the drought may keep the crops from being knee-high by the Fourth of July but it shouldn’t damage your finances. Here’s a few distractions on the cheap!
Getting outdoors should be something celebrated often. Make an event out of enjoying cooler evening temperatures with the night music of Mo-Band’s Concert In the Park Series, a celebrated tradition in Modesto since 1927. July presents two Thursday performances, Patriotic Kick-off on the 3rd and Summer Replay on the 10th. www.moband.org and www.modestojulyparade.org
The great cool down and meltdown most likely will happen on the same day when it’s too hot to be outdoors unless you get soaked. Well that’s fun for everyone, but so is a movie! In addition to their $5 weekday special before 5 pm Brenden Theatres welcomes back a Summer Kids Series! Indulge your little ones to an 10:30 a.m.<file://localhost/x-apple-data-detectors/::4> showing of an animated film for $1 on select Tuesdays; Horton Hears a Who screams out on July 8th<file://localhost/x-apple-data-detectors/::6> and Turbo speeds in July 22nd.<file://localhost/x-apple-data-detectors/::7> http://www.brendentheatres.com<http://www.brendentheatres.com/>
If you’re feeling nostalgic for your childhood Summer activities and want to reconnect to your memories or share them with a new generation, look no further than the backyard of Modesto. Boomers Modesto offers all fun family entertainment. Play a round of mini-golf, race a go-kart or hit up the arcade for a fun day. If you still have an appetite for vintage fun try a little cloak and dagger laser tag action at LaserQuest. One game will remind you what it was like to be a kid without a cellphone. Summer double play: Buy 1 game, $8.50 get a 2nd – 50% off.
See www.facebook.com/boomersmodesto or www.laserquest.com/public/locations/ca-modesto.cfm for specials.
A little vine with your sunshine can do wonders for your spirits! And by spirits I mean Wine! McHenry Mansion hosts the 14th annual Grapes and Hops Festival, a fundraiser presented by the Modesto East Rotary Club. Enjoy the best in wine tasting, microbrews, music entertainment and local area restaurants while supporting a great cause. Event runs 6-9 pm July 26. Tix are $30. See www.facebook.com/modesto-east-rotary or call 482-6790<file://localhost/tel/482-6790> for tickets.
Whether you are rummaging for new eclectic buys or just itching to window shop there’s no better place to find a great deal than a Sidewalk Sale. McHenry Village hosts it’s annual Sidewalk Sale July 24-26. Be sure to keep a look out for a bargain www.mchenryvillage.com
Keep the SPF high, your body temperatures low and your money in hand while you enjoy your July, Modesto.
