Get Out Weekend Planner June 10-12

It's Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend. Mercer Island Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-with-work-get-me-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit and new establishments to explore.

Mercer Island "Friday Night Lights" Football Auction

Where/When: Friday June 10, 2011m 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Why Go:  This auction brings in funds for the Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club junior football team as well as Mercer Island High School's football program. There are some excellent auction items up for grabs, too, such as Bennetts Brunch for 12, Crystal Mountain Ski Chalet for Christmas vacation, and having the "Coach for a Day" so you can call your own plays!
Cost: Tickets are for sale at the website, and are $100 per person.

The Scoop on Poop at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Where/When: Saturday, June 11,  9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., 5400 North Pearl Street
Tacoma
Why Go: Based on the book by science writer Wayne Lynch, The Scoop on Poop exhibit mixes fecal facts with fun! The exhibit, housed in the upper level of North Pacific Aquarium, is full of interactive displays and colorful graphics, along with audio, video and artifacts.   Some of the highlights include:

* Hop on a scale and see how long it would take for an elephant to poop your weight (hint: not long! Elephant droppings weigh two to five pounds and one elephant produces up to 100 daily)

* Examine how animals, and even humans, use feces for building structures

* Listen to a bear’s digestive tract

* Even stop at the sniff station, if you dare!

Plus Chai Li, an endangered clouded leopard, is expecting her first litter and is due in the middle of June, and what is cooler than seeing a pregnant leopard?

Cost: Adnission is Adults (ages 13-64) $15. 25 Seniors (ages 65 & older) $14.25, Youth (ages 5-12) $11.75, Tots (3 & 4) $7.75

Mercer Island Farmer's Market Opening Day

Where/When: Sunday, June 12, 2011, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 77th Ave SE & SE 32nd St, Mercer Island, across from the post office, alongside Mercerdale Park.
Why Go: Mercer Island Farmers Market returns for its 4th Season, with local,  organic, sustainable foods from local Washington farms, great locally-made items, and lots of local families and friends ready to chat and shop.
Cost: Free admission

Mercer Island Sister City French Conversation Evening

Where/When: Sunday, June 12, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.,The Olde Wine Store, 7858 SE 28th St, Mercer Island
Why Go: Le vin extraordinaire, la conversation charmante et parce que les Francais sont supercool! (Great wine, charming conversation, and because the French are supercool!)
Cost: $5 wine tasting

And still you want more? Check out our family-friendly  column, refreshed every Wednesday.