5 Things You Need To Know Today: October 21

1. Don't miss the 9^th Annual Goblin Gathering tonight from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30p.m. at . Manatee County Parks and Recreation is putting  on the event which includes a costume contest, face painting, hayride, bounce houses, and an 18-foot inflatable slide. Local businesses will hand out treats to children who participate.

2. students raised more than $10,000 for their school in just two weeks by selling Yankee Candles. For exceeding their $5,000 goal, the students get to send Principal Todd Richardson to the school's roof next week. But that's not all. Richardson will have to sit on the roof on Friday wearing an Orange shirt and with his hair dyed a bright orange. Top selling students will also be treated to a pizza, ice cream and pie party where they will be able to throw pies at Mr. Richardson on Nov. 4. Funds raised by Moody students will help pay for additional classroom learning materials, technology and student incentives.  

3. The 10th Anniversary Buddy Walk® to benefit encourages participants to take strides toward awareness and acceptance for people with Down syndrome. The walk, one of 250 to take place across the country, will take place at from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. The Buddy Walk to benefit Manasota BUDS will feature live music by The Florida Mountain Boys, free photo portraits by Studio B Photography, snow cones, face painting and entertainment and activities. Registered participants receive free admission to the annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival and an official Buddy Walk shirt for the first 1,000 walkers. Register here or call Manasota BUDS at (941) 907-0499.

4. Manatee County Natural Resources Department will host a new family program about the “yucky” side of science at Rye Preserve. “The yucky side of science is stinky, slimey, and altogether gross!” said naturalist Melissa Cain Nell. “Exploring the magnificently gross side of science is a perfect way to celebrate October’s spooky holiday!” From slime molds to skunks and super strong spider webs, participants will become “Gross-ologists” and cook up some great experiments with mad scientists Aedan to explore this great subject! Participants will also take a short hike to the Rye Family Cemetery to explore the historical inhabitants of this preserve. Reservations are required. No fee will be charged. The program will be held at Rye Preserve, Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The program is suitable for participants of all ages. Contact Melissa Cain Nell at melissa.nell@mymanatee.org or call 941 742 5757 ext. 4 to make a reservation.

5. Patch and Heidi Klum have launched a t across Patch sites nationwide. The most creative costume will win a 3 day, 2 night stay in New York or Los Angeles and an opportunity to meet Heidi Klum. The Patch community with the winning costume and kid wins bragging rights.