5 Things: Chanukah event, Homelessness Plan, Liberace, 'Sand Wars' and Giving

1. Taste of Chanukah is Tuesday night at Selby Five Points Park downtown. The free event features ice sculptures, a Hanukah hula dance show, children's dress like a dreidel contest, children's choir, money grab machine, live music, food and more. The event runs from 5 to 7 p.m.

2. at a StepUp event 11 a.m. Wednesday at the R.L. Anderson Administration Building, 4000 S Tamiami Trail, Venice. The plan is a countywide objective and call to action to help Sarasota County manage its homeless population. Register today for Wednesday's event by e-mailing info@stepupsarasota.org. 

3. For one night only,  presents Liberace: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year starring Martin Preston as Liberace. Show starts at 8 p.m. tonight.  For more information, call 941-366-5454.

4. New Travel Channel TV show "Sand Wars" continues to film on Siesta Beach through Tuesday. Don't miss a chance to be part of a TV show and see sand sculptures blown up. Yeah, you read that right. Boom Goes the Dynamate.

5. Maybe the lack of cold weather, snow throws you off living in Florida, but we are six days away from Christmas. If you're the shopping type, get into gear. If you're the make-your-own gift person, I hope your project doesn't take that long. And if you're a Scrooge type, there's bound to be a Bob Crachit-type that could benefit. Check out our 12 Days of Giving Series on Patch starting today to see how you can pay it forward to local organizations.