Celebrate the history of our community at the 61st annual Farm City BBQ

Business and agricultural leaders prepare to celebrate what has become known as a favorite Thanksgiving tradition in Collier County.

Sixty-one years ago, the national Farm City Council was formed in an effort to help bring together business and agricultural communities. Their goal was to demonstrate the interdependence of a vibrant network of farmers and business owners that help support the economy and provide the basic essentials that every citizen needs.

In Collier County, the Farm City BBQ was formed in a similar way. The old timers remember when Collier County’s farmers had a bad year of crops. The business leaders reached out to the farmers, inviting them for a BBQ and sharing in the little produce that was available so that their families wouldn’t go hungry on Thanksgiving Day. A year later, the farming community wanted to reciprocate the hospitality so they invited the business leaders for a BBQ in the “country.”

As the years have passed, farming practices have evolved to meet the growing demands of our nation and farming communities have grown to support more diverse industries. But, the relationships run generations deep at the Farm City BBQ where there are no suits or formal titles, just good friends that you greet with a hug.

“Farm City BBQ has a rich tradition in bringing together Collier County residents and our agricultural community,” said Mike Warren, VP of Marketing for Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. “Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is proud to support our local community and host the 61st Annual Farm City BBQ, and we look forward to a day filled with great food and camaraderie.”

Over the past decade, the Farm City BBQ has grown from 600 guests to over 2,400 guests who share in the traditional steak and Immokalee Salad. Proceeds from the event support future leaders in our community through four non-profit organizations.

In recent years, more than $300,000 has been donated back into our community through the Collier County 4H Association, Youth Leadership Collier, Collier County Junior Deputy League, as well as the Collier chapters of Key Club International. Funds have helped support the progress of these organizations in providing hands-on classroom education from elementary through high school students. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds have helped kick-start the development of the Junior Deputy’s Camp Discovery as well as providing scholarships for sending emerging leaders to the Key Club District Leadership and Education Conference.

When you go, look like a regular by wearing your blue jeans and your best cowboy hat. Bring a friend and a few extra dollars to purchase your veggie bag of produce, fresh from local farms and participate in the raffle of prizes donated from area businesses including a grand prize – the Big Green Egg Grill!

Date: Wednesday, November 23rd Time: 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Location: Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

Cost: Tickets are $20.00 and include a Shula’s Steak House steak, Immokalee Salad, Florida grown corn provided by Lipman Produce, baked beans from Russell’s Clambakes and complimentary beer, wine and sodas.

The Farm City BBQ is pleased to welcome the Ben Allen Band to the stage! Tickets are available on www.FarmCityBBQ.com

Cattle Baron Sponsors:

• Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
• Waste Management
• Arthrex
• Collier Enterprises
• Shula’s Steak House
• Barron Collier Companies
• First Florida Integrity Bank
• Lipman Produce
• Naples Lumber
• Life in Naples
• Naples Daily News
• D’Latinos

Proceeds benefit:

• Collier County 4H Association
• Youth Leadership Collier
• The Collier County Junior Deputy League
• Key Club International