Book Sale, Free Plant Seminar and Other Cost-Savers

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us make our dollars as valuable as possible.

Here are some that will hopefully stretch your dollars to the max:

1. 'HONK!' AT LITHIA SPRINGS HIGH

Deal: Tickets to the high school musical are $8 for adults and $5 for students and children. Group tickets also are available. Performances are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

"Honk!" is the story of Ugly the duck, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his journey, he discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny but also finds love and acceptance.  

Location: 's theater, 2520 East County Line Road off Lee Road, Exit 41 at Interstate 20 

Contact: 770-651-6700 or Cassandra Edwards, cassandra.edwards@douglas.k12.ga.us

Good through: Saturday

2. BORN AGAIN BLESSINGS CHILDREN'S CONSIGNMENT SALE

Deal: This bi-annual clothing sale is scheduled to take place Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by the Hilda Cagle Fellowship of RiverStone, a Wesleyan Fellowship Church in Kennesaw, the sale benefits the Hilda Cagle Foundation to help families in need. Cash or check only are accepted.

Location: Cobb Civic Center, Hudgins Hall, 548 South Marietta Parkway at Fairground Street

Contact: 770-528-8450 (Hudgins Hall) or 678-384-5200 (RiverStone Church)

Good through: Saturday

3. COBB BOOK SALE

Deal: Cobb Friends of the Library volunteers are scheduled to hold a book sale in Marietta Thursday through Saturday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Among the sale items will be hardbound and paperback books for children, young adults and adults; books on tape and CD; records; magazines; CDs and comic books. All proceeds will be used to buy new books and other library materials for the Cobb County Library System.

Location: Jim Miller Park, Exhibit Halls A and B, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta

Contact: 770-528-8875 (Jim Miller Park), 770-528-2342 (Cobb libraries) or visit www.cobbcounty.org/library

Good through: Sunday

4. COBB 4-H PLANT SALE AND FREE SEMINAR

Deal: Cobb Extension will offer a free seminar on growing and caring for blueberries, blackberries and raspberries at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The seminar is being held in conjunction with the Cobb 4-H Club annual plant sale. Prepaid orders will be accepted until Wednesday, March 9.

This year's 4-H assortment includes blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, Admiral Semmes azalea, crape myrtles, edgeworthia, hellebores, heuchere and Spring Bouquet Viburnum. Cobb Extension also has free brochures describing proper care for these plants.

The plant sale order form is available at cobbcounty.org/extension or by calling 770-528-4076. Plants may be picked up at Jim Miller Park on Callaway Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.

Location: Cobb Water System Training Lab Facility, 663 South Cobb Drive, Marietta (for free Thursday seminar)

Contact: 770-528-4070 or 770-528-4076

5. FREE COBB SUMMER CAMP EXPO

Deal: The Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department is scheduled to present its first annual Summer Camp Expo 2011 on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This one-stop shop for summer camp programs for your children will be stocked with booths of free information about day camps, art camps, church camps, overnight camps and performing art programs. Door prizes also will be given away. 

Cobb Summer Camp registration will be April 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration also is available online.

Location: Cobb Civic Center, Hudgins Hall, 548 South Marietta Parkway at Fairground Street, Marietta

Contact: Wendy Collins at Wendy.Collins@cobbcounty.org or call 770-528-8885

Good through: March 8