5 Things You Need to Know Today: April 6

1. Don't miss the De Soto Children's Parade and party in the park today starting at 10 a.m. at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. The Children’s Parade features floats engineered and built in Manatee County schoolrooms and at home. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Community Heroes."  There will be a “Party in the Park” at Sutton & Lamb Parks immediately following the Children’s Parade until 2:00 pm. Food and fun activities for children, including games and a magic show will cap off the parade.

2. ArtCenter Manatee is hosting a four-hour “Quick Draw Event” at the Bradenton Farmers’ Market Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Old Main Street. Participants will set up their easels and paint in the hustle and bustle for the Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market which attracts more than 1,000 attendees each weekend. “Quick Draw” is open to every level of painter. There’s a $10 entry fee. Artists should bring their own easels, canvas and supplies. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the ArtCenter Manatee tent. Painting begins at 10 a.m. with the sound of a whistle, and artists will bring their completed unframed paintings to the ArtCenter Manatee tent for judging at noon.

3. Join the Bradenton Woman's Club tonight at 8 p.m. for its Friday Night Dance Event. Open to beginners or seasoned dancers, this event offers something for all levels. Learn  while having fun with local residents. After an impromptu dance lesson, a live band will perform  everything from oldies to todays top-40 hits. Bring a friend and your own refreshments and have a blast. All proceeds will benefit the Bradenton Woman's clubhouse renovations. Admission is $8.

4. It's the start of a long weekend for public school students who are off from school until Tuesday. Enjoy the weekend!

5. The Bradenton Downtown Development Authority meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 8 a.m. has been cancelled.