By Hayden Schultz, New Castle News

With heat indexes roaring into the 100s, the first summer heat wave has us all scrambling for A/C, shade and refreshments. Even with the temperatures forecast to drop down to the 80s this weekend, it’ll be anything but cool out.

This weekend in Lawrence County there are some unique indoor events to keep cool.

If you are parched from the blistering heat, a Victorian-themed tea outing and “Equine Sips and Tips” might suit your needs. For entertainment, a free concert hosted by Maitland Lane Free Methodist Church is on Sunday, and if you can bear the heat, an everything dogs-related event benefiting police K9’s takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Ewing Park in Elwood City. If you are looking for other outdoor activities that will keep you cooler, public pools in the county are listed below along with their rates and hours.

SWIMMING

•MAHONING: Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Cost for residents is $5 for ages 3+ and seniors. Cost for non-residents is $6 for ages 3+ and $5 for seniors. Infants under 2 are free for residents and non-residents.

•NEW WILMINGTON: Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends. Cost is $10.

•ELLWOOD CITY: Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults and $5 for children under 17 and seniors.

THIS WEEKEND

•DOG DAYS OF SUMMER POLICE K9 BENEFIT: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 21, 22 and 23, Ewing Park, Ellwood City. Dock diving dogs, barn dogs, working dogs and K9 police. Hourly K9 demonstrations, food trucks, crafts, vendors, kids’ zone, games, silent auction and music.

•VICTORIAN TEA: 1 to 3 p.m. June 22, Calvin Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City. Sponsored by the Ellwood City Public Library. Menu includes tea sandwiches, savories, fruits and assorted sweets. Hats are optional, but prizes will be given for the prettiest, the funniest and the most coordinated outfit. A basket auction is planned. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. For information, call the library at (724) 758-6458 or (724) 758-7732.

•CONCERT: 6 p.m. June 23, Maitland Lane Free Methodist Church. Don and Wilma Robinson will be singing.

• “EQUINE SIPS AND TIPS”: 2 to 4 p.m. June 23, Nova Cellars Winery, 1474 State Route 208, Pulaski. The Penn State Extension equine team will provide valuable insights into horse care and farm management. Designed for horse owners, caretakers, professionals and enthusiasts. Registration, which closes June 17, costs $15 per person and includes light snacks and informational materials. Beverages will be available for purchase. To register, visit https://extension.psu.edu/equine-sips-and-tips or call (877)345-0691.

Hayden Schultz is a student at Slippery Rock University and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns. Hayden is interning with the New Castle News.