Greer's OC

The place to be this Labor Day weekend is at the 15th annual Costa Mesa Wood Racquet Classic benefiting the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. The fashionable and philanthropic event brings classic style to the forefront, participants in the tennis tournament play with wooden racquets and wear vintage tennis attire. The event starts Saturday at the Palisades Tennis Club in Newport Beach with matches between men, women and children.

On Sunday, the championship tournament will take place at neighboring Costa Mesa residences owned by Clay
Peterson and Johnny McCray who combine their yards for a fantastic venue for the Wood Racquet Classic. Peterson and McCray, both lost a loved one to cancer, and formed the annual backyard tennis tournament to raise funds in the fight against cancer. The day’s festivities include a fabulous silent auction, a photo booth, and area for kids to play.

Spectator admission costs $40, courtside access $75, court table $1,000 (for 4, both days) children 10 and under free.

The event starts Saturday, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Palisades Tennis Club at 1171 Jamboree Road in Newport Beach.

On Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. is the official tournament day at Wood Racquet Classic Estates at 437 E. 20th St. in Costa Mesa. For more information, visit woodracquetclassic.

Pretend City turns Four

Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine celebrates its four-year anniversary Friday and invites children, family and friends to its birthday party bash. 

The museum is offering free admission to all four-year-old children from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. From 12:30 to 1 p.m., 500 children and families will sing Happy Birthday and cut a giant birthday cake. 

Five lucky children will be awarded community leader titles roles such the “Mayor of Pretend City,” “Chief of Police” and more. Children can also participate in special birthday-inspired crafts in the Art Center.

Since it opened four years ago, the museum has attracted 550,000 guests including 30,000 scholarship visits provided to families and classrooms that could not otherwise afford to attend. Age ranges ideal for the Pretend City Children’s Museum are infant to 8 years old.

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.

29 Hubble in Irvine. 949.428.3900