Get Caught Up In A Good Cause, Or Run Away to Sea

The great outdoors beckons in Lemon Grove and beyond from May 12 to 18.

Take your favorite four-legged mate on a cruise or enjoy two festivals in San Diego: one to mark Israel's independence and another on the river.

By the way, we know this column is called “Get Out.” But this week, there's one event on the list you don't have to leave home to be part of. Just a little Patchy curveball for a nice May weekend.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, 7:30 p.m. Friday.

• Why go: Students stage their version of  Blithe Spirit, Noel Coward's comedy about socialites and the supernatural. Continues through May 21.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: , 3131 School Lane, Lemon Grove, 11 a.m. Saturday.

• Why go: These Relay for Lifers – a campaign that benefits the American Cancer Society – are taking a different tack than the usual walk/run. They're using Zumba, which combines fitness and dance, to raise funds.

• Price: $10.

• Where/when: Your house, Lemon Grove, Saturday.

• Why go: No, we're not showing up unannounced. But when your postal carrier comes around on Saturday, he or she will be prepared to do you a favor: if you want to donate some extra cans or boxes of food that won't spoil leave them for the carrier. As part of Stamp Out Hunger day the items will be distributed to local food banks and pantries.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: , 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, 8 a.m. Sunday.

• Why go: Does the department store make it too easy? Do you like a good recon mission? Grossmont hosts a rummage sale to benefit the school's music program, and apparently 50 families have offered up donations. Happy shopping.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, 5:30 p.m. Monday.

• Why go: Taste of La Mesa is a big ticket. It's sold out. Don't despair, however. They have a cancellation list. Put your name on it and you might yet get in. And if you already have a ticket? Sweet!

• Price: $30-$40.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: Hornblower Cruises, 1066 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

• Why go: Does your pooch like to stick his head out the car window and feel the breeze in his fur? Then he just might love taking a cruise for “Pet Day on the Bay,” a fundraiser for the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe. Tours also leave at noon and 1:30 p.m.

• Price: $10-$20, pets free.

• Where/when: Ski Beach, Mission Bay, Ingraham Street and Vacation Road, San Diego, 7 a.m. Sunday.

• Why go: Celebrate Israel's Independence Day with a fund-raising walk/run and bicycle ride, followed by a fair featuring performances and a chance to win a trip to the Holy Land. 

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Qualcomm Stadium, Friars Road and Rancho Mission Road, San Diego, 10 a.m. Sunday.

• Why go: River Fest features live music, but better yet, circus performances too. Sure, there's educational opportunities about the San Diego River on tap. But circus acts!

• Price: Free.