5 Things You Need to Know This Weekend: July 23-25

1. Manatee County Government will be hosting a Team Bowling competition to benefit the United Way on Saturday at the AMF lanes on Cortez and 43rd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Several teams will represent different departments and divisions of the county. The event is open to the public. This event that will benefit many of those agencies that assist our community every day. In addition to the competition, county employees will offer gift baskets at a raffle. Everyone is welcome.

2. The and its partner agencies need your help for their "Give Back ... Backpack" Campaign. Backpacks are essential in helping more than the 2 million runaway and homeless youths in America. To donate or for more information, call 941-747-1509, ext. 313.

3. Bradenton-based Bealls has launched a contest to find the star of its next television commercials. Anyone 13 and older (with parent's permission) can upload a photo to the Bealls website to enter the "Bealls Be a Star Casting Contest." The person who gets the most votes will be cast in a Bealls commercial. The contest began on Friday and Bealls will continue to accept photos until August 31. Voting begins on August 8. To access the contest application and upload photos go to the Bealls Florida Facebook page.

4. The Bradenton Marauders Sunday home game at McKechnie Field features Brides & Baseball, a special event for all those engaged couples out there. Wedding vendors will have booths set up at the game which starts at 5 p.m. Prospective brides can compete in a scavenger hunt for a chance at competing against three others to find a ring in a wedding cake, using only their mouths of course. The winner will receive a $2,000 diamond wedding ring. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for kids 12 and younger. Buy them online or at the McKechnie box office.

5. Teens are invited to attend the American Red Cross Teen Disaster Camp to learn what to do if a tornado comes, how to open a shelter when a hurricane threatens and more. Teens ages 14-18 are invited to attend the weeklong series of training, drills and field trips that runs July 24-29 at the west side Red Cross at 2905 59th St. W. By the end of the week they will be ready to put their knowledge and skills to use to help our community prepare for and respond to disasters. The cost is $75 for the week, and registration is required. More information at facebook.com/manateeredcrossyouth, by e-mailing tappd@manateeredcross or calling 941-792-8686.