Five Things You Need to Know Today: August 16

1. Don't forget it's through Saturday. There is no state sales tax for apparel and footwear purchases of $100 or less. 

2. The Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company Carnival features live music by Iron Ridge tonight and all you can ride bracelets for $20. Find more information .

3. The Carroll County Dance Center & Ballet Conservatory is offering open complementary dance classes for all ages this week. Classes being offered include parent-child, ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, adult classes and more. Find more information .

4. The Eldersburg Library is holding a story pals program at 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. for two different age groups. Find more information . 

5. There's a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms after 1 p.m. today with a high near 81 degrees, according to The National Weather Service.