A Look Ahead at the Weekend

It's still summer in Hopatcong, and that means there are plenty of ways a family could have safe, clean weekend fun.

Who wants to spend Saturday and Sunday cooped up in the house, anyway? And when you consider the specter of school looms larger each day, children will want to get out as often as possible.

With that in mind, here are a few things you could check out this weekend:

Saturday

Who: Everyone

What: Baptism and picnic

Where: 35 Elba Ave.

When: 12:30 – 5 p.m.

Why: Aside from the baptism ceremony, which will be nice, there'll be a picnic great for families. Food, people! Contact Byram Bay Christian Church Pastor Dave and Kathy Jones for more information: (973) 398-1715.

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Who: Adults

What: Casino night

Where: 40 Maxim Dr.

When: 5:30 p.m.

Why: Because it was a long workweek—what, with the boss looking over your shoulder and your e-mail's inbox overflowing—and you need a Saturday night out. Hire a babysitter and head to St. Jude's Parish, where you'll experience Atlantic City practically in your own backyard. It costs just $55 at the door. But you'll get a lot more play money, and with that you'll be able to win more prizes. Come on out, support a local church and have some fun with the neighbors!

Sunday

Who: Everyone

What: Cat adoption

Where: The corner of Durban Avenue and Flora Avenue.

When: 9 a.m. – noon

Why: Hopatcong's feline population, along with its residents, is reeling due to the recession. More and more borough taxpayers can't afford to keep their pets and, thus, they end up in the pound. Here's your chance to save one, two or five. Each adoption costs just $15. Go to Hopatcong's pound.

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Who: Everyone

What: The Second Annual Knights of Columbus Car and Bike Show.

Where: 40 Maxim Dr.

When: Noon — 4 p.m. (Rain date: Aug. 22)

Why: Why not? Ever see the sun shine off an old Ford Mustang? Ever admire what's under the hood of a vintage automobile? Ever stop and think about how fast that Harley Davidson goes on the highway? Stop wondering. Spend a few hours soaking in the sights at St. Jude's Parish as a bunch of local—and not-so-local—people show off their rides. Vehicle registration: $10.