For more than sixty years, Farm City BBQ has brought together farmers, consumers, community leaders and everyone in between for an annual celebration and fundraiser in Collier County. Barron Collier Companies has been a big part of this event for decades through sponsorship, hosting, and volunteering. This year’s event was held in eastern Collier County on a bright, crisp fall afternoon filled with smiles and sunshine.
“Farm City has been one of our company’s favorite fundraisers for many years,” states Blake Gable, CEO of Barron Collier Companies. “The “city” business community has the opportunity to meet ranchers and farmers and learn more about the agriculture economy in our county, which Barron Collier Companies has been a part of for more than a century. Collier is more than beaches and tourism.” According to the Farm City website, Southwest Florida’s agricultural and natural resources industries have an annual impact of $8.1 billion through direct, indirect, and induced sales.
National Farm-City Week takes place the week before Thanksgiving every year to recognize the importance of farmers and further the cooperative network that keeps Collier County healthy and happy. Monies raised benefit local non-profits, with Thanksgiving being the perfect time to consider the food on our tables and where it comes from.

“It’s a privilege to work with such a great team to carry on this long-standing tradition in Collier County,” adds Cee Cee Marinelli, director of commercial leasing with Barron Collier Companies. “Farm City BBQ brings together both the business and agricultural communities for the benefit of our next generation of leaders.” This year, Barron Collier Companies’ agriculture division donated grills and a corn cooker for the event. “We’ve been involved with Farm City for so long now, it’s become a part of our Thanksgiving tradition,” explains Stephen Massie, of agriculture sales manager for Barron Collier Companies and Collier Family Farms. “I’m proud to be part of a company that takes such a strong interest in giving back to the community.”