​5th Annual Farm Night BBQ To Benefit City And Focus Academy

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL — Farm Night BBQ returns for its fifth year in Temple Terrace on Friday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Hosted by M&B Products, a Temple Terrace-based dairy at 8601 Harney Road, the 2020 event serves as a fundraiser with profits split between the city's Leisure Services Department, which encompasses the Parks and Recreation division and the library, and Focus Academy, a local charter school for students with special needs.

Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children under 18 (preschoolers are admitted for free), and can be purchased at the Temple Terrace City Hall, the Family Recreation Complex, the Uptown Chamber of Commerce office or online. VIP tickets also are available.

Farm Night attendees will enjoy all-you-can-eat barbecue ribs, chicken and brisket with sides including coleslaw, baked beans, collard greens, fried green tomatoes and okra, as well as ice cream and strawberry shortcake.

There also will be a cash bar offering beer and wine.

Attendees are invited to dance to the music of the Southern Express Bluegrass Band and Charlie Imes and his Band, featuring Roger Bartlett, the original lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffet.

A family-friendly event, there will be farm equipment on display, a butter-making exhibit, hayrides and other agricultural activities from Hillsborough County Ag-Venture.

Former University of Florida Gator Dr. Charles "Chip"Hinton, one of the 1960s freshmen football players who volunteered to be a Gatorade guinea pig when the drink was developed at UF, will give a presentation.

In addition to M&B Products, Farm Night BBQ is sponsored by the City of Temple Terrace, Fresh from Florida, TECO, Southeast Dairy Processors, Lanier Upshaw Insurance, South Pointe Insurance, Peace River Citrus Products, Suncoast Credit Union, Pepin, Rivard Buick GMC, Stepp's Towing & Heavy Transport, REGarrison Trucking and The Bank of Tampa.

Last year's Farm Night raised $20,000 for the Laurice Hachem Foundation Boys & Girls Club in Temple Terrace.

Limited tickets may be available the night of the event for $30 ($15 for under 18).

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Farm Night BBQ is a rain or shine event.