5 Things To Do This Weekend: Keep It Local

Take some time to do something to give back to the community this weekend. Two worthy causes in the name of Marblehead residents are just one option. This weekend is also a good opportunity to spend some time with family -- either by exploring a nearby museum or shopping downtown and supporting local business during this tax-free weekend. 

Give - Make a donation to the Allie Castner Scholarship Fund at the  National Grand Bank on Pleasant Street. Mark donations: Allie Castner Scholarship Fund, c/o Jim Nye, National Grand Bank, 91 Pleasant St., Marblehead.

Explore - Family Exploration Days at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem are Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The exploration is a 30-minute gallery adventure just for families. Recommended for families with children age 5 and up and is included with museum admission. Museum admission is: Adults $15, Seniors $13, Students $11. Youth (16 and under).

Shop - Some downtown stores are rolling back prices or offering deals to entice shoppers during the tax-free weekend. At buy any item that is normally taxed and received a gift certificate for the amount the tax would have been, to spend on a future shopping trip. All baby and children's clothing is 40 percent off, shoes are 30 percent off and maternity items are 20 percent off. Nuggets on Atlantic Avenue is also offering deals and Shubie's is planning a wine sale and tasting. Creature Comforts and Pawsitively Marblehead have a variety of promotions to celebrate the tax-free weekend as well.

Fish - Pete's Fishing Derby will start Friday night and go throughout the weekend. While registration is now closed, donations are still accepted for the Pete Gamble Scholarship Fund. An environmental consultant, outdoorsman and lifelong Marblehead resident, Gamble died in 2003 of brain cancer. Each year, the fishing derby is held to raise money for the scholarship in his name. The scholarship goes to a senior going into college pursuing environmental science. For more information, click here.

Picnic - The annual summer picnic, held seaside at the Gerry Playground will be held Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Local Republican candidate and office holders will be in attendance. RSVP: email Amy Carnevale or call 781-990-3448.