Ready for the last strokes of summer

For Clayton Peterson and Johnny McCray, Labor Day weekend is all about friends, family and tennis, and we’re not just talking about lazing back on the couch with a couple of beers to watch the U.S. Open.

With plans to don their aviator sunglasses, Chuck Taylor’s and the most retro tennis gear they can find, the childhood pals will host the ninth annual Costa Mesa Wood Racquet Classic Saturday at their shared Costa Mesa property.

When they purchased the land from a Beverly Hills family nine years ago, Peterson and McCray challenged themselves to find a suitable use for their backyard tennis court.

“The first year, it was basically us and our friends dressing up like fools, playing tennis and having too good of a time,” McCray said. “Over the years, it’s turned into this big family party.”

With underwriting from Baumvision International, the Costa Mesa-based eyewear company founded by longtime friend and event participant Shane Baum, the event morphed into a fundraiser for Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian’s Cancer Center.

“This is our second year doing it as a fundraiser in memory of Grant Baldwin, who was our umpire for six years, and Clay’s mom, Sally, who both died of cancer in 2005,” McCray said, adding that last year’s event brought in $20,000, about 1,000 invitees from across the country and a team from Denmark.

Having visited countless garage sales, McCray boasts a collection of more than 150 vintage wooden racquets, which will be available to this year’s 16 competing doubles teams.

“You’ll see some Jack Kramers, a lot of John McEnroes, some Bjorn Borgs and Rod Lavers,” Peterson said. “It’s become a reunion of sorts for us, plus we are doing something good for Hoag and having a great time.”

In the mood for a movie, but you want to enjoy the pleasant summer weather? Head on over to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort for Movies on the Beach or to Star-Vu Drive-In at the OC Fairgrounds.

The summertime Movies on the Beach comes to a close at the end of September so gather the family, chairs and blankets and some snacks for “Firehouse Dog” Friday or “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Saturday. Parking is $10 and admission is free.

On screen at Star-Vu Friday through Sunday evenings are “Ratatouille” and “Balls of Fury.” Admission is $8.50 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under.

For more information, go to www.newportdunes.com and www.star-vu.com.

Ring in the end of summer as nature intended — basking in the sun while cruising the Newport Harbor.

Balboa Boat Rentals, at 510 E. Edgewater, offers a selection of pedal boats, kayaks and Duffys sure to accommodate the entire family. An 18-foot, eight-passenger Duffy is $75 an hour and 21-foot, 12-passenger electric boats are available for $90 an hour.

“It’s going to be a very busy weekend for us,” said employee Crystal Heard. “We are already taking reservations and getting full.”

Balboa Boat Rentals will be open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

For more information or to make a reservation, go to www.boats4rent.com or call (949) 673-7200.

Use the long weekend to make some improvements around the house after visiting a free workshop Saturday at Home Depot in Costa Mesa.

From 9 a.m. to noon, the store will present a clinic for young builders in which children 5 to 12 can learn to build a wooden football rack.

From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., store visitors can learn how to create a suede, candlelight and metallic wall finish using Ralph Lauren paints. Afterward, stick around to learn the basics of tiling floors and walls, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Home Depot is at 2300 Harbor Blvd. For more information, go to www.homedepot.com or call (949) 646-4220.

Ditch the white gear and head to Sutra Lounge in Costa Mesa Sunday for the bar’s annual Black Party.

Sutra will celebrate the close of summer by bathing itself in black and inviting the Ladies in Lace and DJ Fashen to entertain.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and complimentary appetizers and champagne will be served from 8 to 10 p.m. All black attire is required.

Sutra Lounge is in Triangle Square at 1870 Harbor Blvd. For more information, go to www.sutrabar.com or call (949) 722-7103.

It may mark the end of summer, but Labor Day weekend also signals the beginning of the high school football season.

Friday night lights come on this week with four games: Aquinas and Estancia high schools battling it out at Newport Harbor High School, Corona del Mar at Laguna Beach High School, Fairmont Prep at Sage Hill School and Savanna at Costa Mesa High School.

All games begin at 7 p.m. Come out and cheer on your favorite team.