5 Things to Know Today, March 25

The weekend is upon us, and there's a plethora of activities taking place in Bloomingdale Patch, whether you're looking for entertainment or seeking to support a good cause.

1. The FishHawk Relay for Life kicks off today at 6 p.m. at Newsome High School, 16550 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, with 33 teams and 740 people participating.

At the same time, teams will gather at Bloomingdale High School, 1700 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, at 6 p.m. for the Bloomingdale Relay for Life. There are 49 teams 585 participants in that relay.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is an event that gives communities a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.

Prior to the relay, teams of participants raise money for the American Cancer Society in various fundraisers.

At the relay, teams will camp out at Newsome and take turns walking or running around the track. Each team is asked to have representation on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, relays are overnight events.

Relays begin with a survivors lap where survivors of cancer are invited to circle the track together and let everyone celebrate the victories they've achieved over cancer.

After dark, participants honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease in a luminaria ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

In addition, there are fundraising activities during the relay including the sale of food, face painters, crafts and games.  Relay teams have plenty of way for participants and visitors to the event to support the fight against cancer.

2. The Frenzie- Life Theatre's production of "The Rocky Horror Show" opens today at 8 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn Theatre, 11349  Bloomingdale Ave, Riverview.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of two clean-cut kids, Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, who run into car trouble and seek help at the site of light down the road. Little do they know it's coming from the place where Dr. Frank N Furter is in the midst of his maniacal experiments. The play is a rock musical, science fiction spoof.

The show continues Saturday, March 26 at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 27 at 4 p.m., Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m. and a midnight show, and Saturday, April 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, military, and students with I.D. The show is not appropriate for children. The box office opens one hour before each performance. You may reserve tickets in advance by calling 813-655 0789 or by e-mail thefrenzie@gmail.com. Will-Call tickets will be held until 15 minutes before curtain time.

3. Organizers of an annual talent competition are sending out a casting call for vocalists who want to vie for a chance to become Brandon's next idol.

Auditions for the 10th annual Brandon Idol contest will be tonight at 7 p.m. at The Clubhouse Sports Bar and Grill, 1265 Kingsway Road, Brandon.

For the first time, the winner of this year's Brandon Idol contest, scheduled for April 30 at 7  p.m. at the Brandon Elks Lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive, Brandon, will receive a grand prize of $500

The  contest is open to all residents including previous winners, who don't have to audition. All others must audition.

Auditions are free. If selected for the finals competition April 30, there's a $30 entry fee and includes a ticket to the show.

Space is limited, so please sign up early.  The organizers will take walk-ins, but priority goes to those who sign up.

4. If you love countrygospel music, stop by The Farm at 7818 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Lithia, for a free concert from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Performing tonight are A to J Bluegrass and Patsy & New Beginnings. Food will be available.Visit www.TheFarmUSA.com for more details.

5. Wondering  what to do for dinner? Stop by St. Stephen Catholic Church, 5049 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico, for the Men's Club's annual Lenten fish fry from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Fish dinners are $7, fish and shrimp dinners are $7.50, shrimp dinners are $8 and cheese pizza for the kids is $5. All dinnners comes with french fries, cole slaw and a drink. Drive-through is available or you can join friends for a dinner at the church. For information, call 813-689-4500.