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March came in like a lion and we're here for it. Spring is officially in the air in Parrish, and this week's lineup has something for just about everyone — festivals, fine art, a Thomas the Tank Engine takeover, and some seriously proud local moments. Here's what's making us smile this week.

🎉 Happening Around Town

Parrish Heritage Festival & Chili Cook-Off — Saturday, March 7 | Florida Railroad Museum, Parrish | Free admission Over 20 chili teams are firing up their pots, 65+ vendors are setting up shop, and a live band will be keeping things lively from 11am to 3pm. Chili tasting is $10 (kids 12 & under eat free), and train rides are just $5. Last year drew 5,000+ neighbors — this one's a don't-miss.

Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival — Saturday–Sunday, March 7–8 | Main Street, Lakewood Ranch | Free Local and regional artists bring their best work to Main Street for a two-day outdoor showcase. Stroll, admire, and maybe find something to hang on the wall. Rain or shine, it's a beautiful way to spend a spring weekend.

Spring Showcase at Oakfield Trails — Sunday, March 8 | 1–4pm | Oakfield Trails, Parrish | Free A little bit of everything right here in our own backyard. Live music, a mobile bar, a flower bouquet truck, an Exotics on the Coast car show, and a raffle. Head out for a Sunday afternoon and see what's popping up in one of Parrish's newest communities.

Day Out With Thomas™ — March 14, 15, 21, 22 & 28 | Florida Railroad Museum, Parrish | $21–$30 The most famous little engine is pulling into the Florida Railroad Museum for five special event days this month. Younger kids will absolutely lose it. Tickets go fast, so grab yours before they sell out.

Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training — Friday, March 6 | 1:05pm | LECOM Park, Bradenton. Catch some big-league baseball just down the road. Spring training games at LECOM Park are a relaxed, fun way to enjoy America's pastime without the big-stadium price tag.

📰 Good News Roundup

Parrish Gets Its First Franchise DOGPerfect Location — Business Linda and Rob Emery just opened the fifth DOGPerfect location in Parrish — and it's the brand's first-ever franchise store. It's a testament to how much our community has grown that a local business is expanding right here. Dog owners, you've got a new go-to.

Five Manatee County Students Named National Merit Finalists — Schools Five of our own are heading to nationals. Kevin Chen (Braden River), Richard Lay (Manatee HS), Benjamin Barr (Palmetto HS), Pearson Walters (St. Stephen's Episcopal), and Sarah Weis (SCF Collegiate) all earned National Merit Finalist honors — one of the highest academic distinctions a high school student can receive. We're proud of every single one of them.

West Manatee Fire & Rescue Sweeps Statewide Awards — Achievement Three awards. One department. Josh Adkins was named Fire Inspector of the Year, Rodney Kwiatkowski earned Fire Marshal of the Year, and Deputy Chief Jay Johnson took home Executive of the Year honors — all at the statewide level. These are the people keeping our community safe every day. Well deserved, all of them.

Knight Foundation Awards $92,820 to Bradenton Nonprofits — Charity Four local nonprofits just got a significant shot in the arm. Realize Bradenton received $45K, Friendly City Foundation got $20K, Reflections of Manatee received $15K, and the Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative was awarded $12,820. That's nearly $93,000 going right back into the community. Amazing.

Spirit of Manatee 2026 Honorees Announced — Achievement The Manatee Community Foundation will recognize this year's Spirit of Manatee honorees on March 25th at the Palmetto Marriott. The Spirit of Manatee award celebrates individuals who've made lasting contributions to our county. More details on the honorees coming soon from the Foundation.

Know someone who could use a little good news in their feed? Forward this to a neighbor or share it on Facebook — good news travels best when it travels fast. 😊

Spring's here, Parrish is thriving, and honestly? We wouldn't want to be anywhere else. See you next week!

— Good News Parrish 🌿