Get Out: Family Fun, Farm Fresh Food and Cooking

Good boys and girls have a host of family events to attend this weekend in and around Troy.

Start the weekend with a Christmas in July event Saturday as Jeffrey Schatzer of Bellair dons the persona of Santa Claus on summer vacation, complete with Hawaiian shirt, flip-flops and a long, white beard. Schatzer will sign copies of his Christmas-themed books at in Berkley. While his latest book, The Bird in Santa's Beard, is available throughout the year, Schatzer will be available from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Also attending the event will be Tucker, the Bernese mountain dog  featured in the book The Enchanted Tree of Crooked Lane by Rachel Longhurst. The Milford author and her furry friend will be available from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday. 

Christmas treats and ornaments handmade by a variety of artists will be given away with all purchases of more than $30.

Stay cool Saturday evening with family and friends at in Troy as the bowling alley hosts its weekly Family Fun Night. Colored pin bowling for prizes and other activities make for a perfect game, and music is toned down and "mom approved" from 6-8:30 p.m. Attendance costs $25 per lane or $7 per person. Shoe rental is available for $1.

If you're looking for a way to get out and beat the heat Saturday, the will host a Family Aquatic Night from 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday to allow adults and children to beat the summer heat on the various slides, pools and spray toys at the park. Admission to the family event costs $10 for Troy families or $12 for nonresident families.

Eat healthfully this summer with produce from the Clawson Farmers Market, which kicks off its season Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at City Park. The market will be open every Sunday through Sept. 18. Vendors come from throughout the Metro Detroit area and beyond. Seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables will be available from Michigan farmers, and area businesses often attend the Farmers Market as food vendors or for marketing purposes. Occasionally, the market features live entertainment and children's activities.

After stopping off in Clawson for fresh produce, head to at the by 11 a.m. and learn some cooking techniques. This week's class will cover salad, deconstructed. Start with greens and learn to pair them with other ingredients to create starters, sides and main dishes. You can also learn how to prepare different dressings, along with make-ahead salads that are great for a Sunday picnic or barbecue. Classes are open to all; class fees vary. Call 248-637-0672 for more information.