While it’s still chilly — especially for us Floridians — the sun is shining again in Sarasota and Manatee counties, with the forecast looking increasingly warmer through the weekend. Sunday’s high temperature is predicted to reach a balmy 71 degrees, which should be perfect for anyone interested in visiting the Manatee County Fair.

A local tradition dating back more than a century, the Manatee County Fair once again features thrill rides, live entertainment, plenty of livestock, and delightfully indulgent cuisine known to reduce grown men to Templeton-esque gluttons.

The fair continues today through Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W. in Palmetto. Admission costs $10 for adults, $6 for military (with ID), and $6 for children ages 6-12. Children age 5 and under get in free, and parking is $10. For more information, call 941-722-1639 or visit manateecountyfair.com.

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What about the best things to do in Sarasota this weekend?

Here’s my weekly list of the top five things to do in Sarasota-Bradenton, starting today and continuing through Sunday.

1. Rock N The Sand concert to benefit Anna Maria Island workers

If you’re looking to have a good time for a good cause, here’s our top weekend pick: The region’s best reggae band, Jah Movement, along with other local music favorites including The Cabana Dogs, The Nauti Girl Band, Concrete Edgar, Luke Andrews, Rob Hamm, and Tommy B., will perform at a benefit concert on Saturday at Whiskey Joe’s on the Manatee River.

All proceeds from the Rock N The Sand Benefit will support local Island workers who have been displaced or suffered economic damages due to hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to a press release. The funds raised will be donated to The Center of Anna Maria Island for disbursement to affected Island employees. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday; Whiskey Joe’s, 5313 19th St. E., Ellenton; $25 general admission, $100 VIP; eventbrite.com

2. Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival in Sarasota

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals, a group of more than 60 locally owned restaurants, is hosting its 18th annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival. The weeklong celebration features various activities, including wine dinners and master classes, as well as the main event, the Grand Tasting, which takes place Sunday in the courtyard of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Today, Jan. 23, through Monday; various venues; event prices vary; 941-365-2800; eatlikealocal.com/forksandcorks

3. Mr. Swindle’s Traveling Peculiarium at Sarasota Fairgrounds

The Great Mr. Swindle and his elaborate cast return to Sarasota for another 90-minute extravaganza featuring exciting circus thrills and eclectic comedy. Don’t forget, Dr. Elixir’s Drink-Ory Garden opens an hour before showtime for this event held under the big top at the fairgrounds. Today, Jan. 23, through Feb. 2; Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $50-$80; 941-445-7309; mrswindles.com

4. St. Armands Circle Art Festival

Home to many popular dining and shopping destinations back in business after flood damage caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, Sarasota’s landmark St. Armands Circle hosts its 22nd annual art festival this weekend. The free event will feature gallery-style booths showcasing a variety of fine art mediums. The festival takes place along South Boulevard of Presidents and within St. Armands Circle. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 1 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free admission; artfestival.com

5. Sarasota County Fire Fest returns to Venice

Sarasota County’s Fire Fest returns to Venice on Saturday to educate and inform the community about the importance of prescribed fire to the ecosystem. The event at Carlton Reserve will feature county staff and partners from AmeriCorps demonstrating why prescribed burns are scheduled, their benefits to native habitats and wildlife, and how the county manages wildfire. In addition to live burn demonstrations (conditions permitting), the free event will include local exhibitors, games for children, and light refreshments. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice; free; scgov.net

Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Manatee County fair dates, photos; things to do in Sarasota, Florida

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