5 Things You Need To Know Today: January 5

1. It's time to get ready for the Manatee County Fair. To get everyone in the mood for all of the food and fun, the Rotary Club of Palmetto is sponsoring a sculpture contest Saturday and Sunday. All scupltures must be made with canned foods. And can be no larger than 10-feet by 10-feet and no taller than 6-feet high. Sculptures will be judged for most creative design, best use of labels, most cans used in the sculpture and the judges favorite. After the fair, all of the cans will be donated to the Food Bank of Manatee. For more information and contest rules contact Terry Wells, Palmetto Rotary Club, 941-714-3340. The fair opens Jan. 12

2. Bradenton police are that was dropped at midnight for the New Year? It is 4-feet high, a transulecent pink, made from fiberglass and embossed with 2012 and two ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness. It is said to be worth $10,000.

3. Two High Schools in Manatee County in the Florida Department of Education's High School Accountability Grades released today. Thre others earned Bs. for a breakdown of all the grades.

4. Want to blog for Patch? We are looking for people who want to share informationn about hobbies, causes, ideas and politics in the Bradenton community. If you would like to blog, contact Toni at toni.whitt@patch.com or call 941-348-0668.

5. Don't put the boots away just yet, it's going to be cold again today, but then start warming up this week.