5 Things You Need To Know This Weekend: September 17-19

1.Wanna help raise money for the music programs in the Manatee County Schools? Then you absolutely need to include Hunsader's Rockin Ranch in your weekend plans. There will be live music by the l Jazz Band; Jennifer Lee & Nevaeh Peek; Performances by Shotgun Justice; Messenger and the Houserockers with Charlie Olson. Special appearances by 17-year-old Shevonne Marie Philidor of America's Got Talent fame and by Lester Freeman from the 1967 hit Some Kind of Wonderful. The family festival also includes bounce houses, face painting, candy art, games, and outdoor movies. The event begins at 3 p.m. and ends at midnight. Hosts Diane Walsh and Pete Hunsader promise a surprise around 10:30 p.m. along with a Laser Light show.

2. You've see the Republican national debates, now here's your chance to ask your questions of one of the candidates. Herman Cain will appear at , 2525 27th St. E., from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday. For more information go to teapartymanatee.org or call 941-301-4636.

3. Start your work week with a party. Park is having a truly grand ribbon cutting Monday as work on the 1.3-mile linear park gets underway. The ribbon cutting is from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and will feature food, entertainment and a chance to be out on the water. Come see what this unique new park will offer our community.

4. Food Network star Guy Fieri will feature on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives at 9 p.m. Monday. If you don't want to watch at home alone or host your own viewing party, then Jose has just the thing for you: a viewing party at Lounge across from Jose's restaurant. The party begins at 8 p.m. the show will air at 9 a.m. If you want to be sure to get a seat in his restaurant, you might want to go before the show airs.

5. The Canes were strong throughout the first on Friday, but they couldn't quite catch Don Bosco Prep, the No. 1 team in the nation. The New Jersey team 22-16 in a game that started with a patriotic flair as para-commandos dropped in with the American flag and the game ball.