Best Buys -- Greer Wylder

A plant auction and chili cook-off are happening Wednesday at the

Orange County Fairgrounds. The amateur chili cook-off competition will

begin at 6 p.m., and the auction will begin at 7 p.m. A $2 donation is

requested for unlimited chili tasting. Food and drinks will also be

available. Plant enthusiasts can take advantage of the auction where

thousands of dollars of plants and garden supplies will be available at

bargain prices. It’s part of an annual charity fund-raiser of The

California Assn. of Nurserymen-Orange County. Admission to the plant

auction is free. The numbered paddles that are used for the live auction

are $5 and the money will be credited to use toward a live auction

purchase. Participating in the event are dozens of retail nurseries,

wholesale plant growers, product manufacturers and garden suppliers that

are providing thousands of auction items. Included in the auction are

bedding plants, hanging baskets, flowering shrubs, trees and houseplants,

fertilizers and soil mixes. Plants and supplies will be auctioned to the

highest bidder in both the silent auction and live auction. Proceeds will

go toward the Orange County Ronald McDonald House, scholarships for

horticulture research and more. The event raised more than $13,000 last

year and drew 1,500 people. The auction and chili cook-off are at the

Orange County Fairgrounds and the entrance is off Arlington Drive through

Gate 4. From there, go to “Parade of Products.” Information: (949)

721-2100, Ext. 505.

Subtle Tones, one of the best places to find pajamas, is having a

summer sale through Aug. 30. Sale merchandise is marked down 30% to 50%

off. The store carries bedding, pillows, lounge wear, frames, lighting,

candles and gifts. It’s in the Corona del Mar Plaza. Information: (949)

640-2781.

Gelson’s is celebrating its 50th anniversary with several specials

through Tuesday. There are low prices on all kinds of items in the store

and no coupons are necessary for savings. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to

10 p.m. Gelson’s Market is at 1660 San Miguel Drive, Newport Beach.

Information: (949) 644-8660.

Zany Brainy has all kinds of in-store activities for children. There’s

an ongoing preschool craft time for kids ages 3 to 5 on Mondays at 10:30

a.m. On Monday, the theme will be making sparkly butterflies with glitter

paint; on Aug. 20, kids will be able to pack a pretend summer picnic with

Dream Dough; and on Aug. 27, kids can make colorful and flowery lei. On

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., the theme is Stories ‘n Stuff for kids ages 4 and

younger. This Tuesday, the instructor will read yummy stories and kids

will make a place mat; on Aug. 21, read about colors, then mix paints and

make hues; on Aug. 28, hear back-to-school stories, then jump on the

giant school bus. On Wednesdays, there’s a Little Learner Activity time

at 10:30 a.m. geared for kids ages 2 to 4. This Wednesday, make and play

a matching game; on Aug. 22, learn about letters and help deliver the

mail; on Aug. 29, create stepping stones that make counting a breeze. For

math whizzes, there’s a Zany Brainy Math Club on Thursdays at 7 p.m. for

first and second grades and at 7:30 p.m. for third and fourth grades. The

exclusive 24-game Math Club gives elementary-aged kids a chance to

refresh their math skills. Artistic kids will love the Zany Brainy Art

Club Fridays at 7 p.m. This Friday, Zig-Zaggy Quilted Creations will

teach how to make three-dimensional quills for a hangable mask or

sculpture; on Aug. 24, Wishing Cards will show how to send wacky greeting

cards full of colors, shapes and patterns using Color Wonder materials;

on Aug. 31, Fanciful Face Facades will discuss how to create a fanciful

mask to wear. Zany Brainy carries all kinds of educational and fun toys,

games, software and books. It’s in the Corona del Mar Plaza. Information:

(949) 640-5131.

The Oriental Rug Outlet is having a sale on all rugs at 40% off. It

carries all kinds of rugs in all styles and sizes. It promises to beat

any competitor’s prices. It’s at 1931 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa.

Information: (949) 642-3600.

Borders is having an end of the summer sale. For back-to-school

shoppers, there is a buy one Merriam-Webster reference book or set, and

get the second one at 50% off. There are also more than 1,000 CDs on sale

for $7.99 and DVDs on sale for $12.99. Borders is in Costa Mesa on

Newport Boulevard and at South Coast Plaza.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays and Saturdays. Send information to Greer

Wylder at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627, or via fax at (949)

646-4170.