Get Out: Weekend Events for Brandon (July 23-24)

Greater Brandon businesses and services will be out in force July 23 at the Ninth Annual Fishhawk Area Networking Group (FANG) Back-To-School Festival in Lithia.

Later that night, Plant City Entertainment ends its summer run of "A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum."

A barbecue cook-off Sunday in FishHawk's Park Square aims to reward the best burgers, dogs, chickens and ribs.

There's more as well, under way this weekend in Greater Brandon, and we welcome as well  your suggetions in the "call for comments" box below.

NINTH ANNUAL FISHHAWK AREA NETWORKING GROUP (FANG) BACK-TO-SCHOOL FESTIVAL

•When/Where: 9 a.m.-Noon, July 23, FishHawk Ranch Youth Sports Complex on FishHawk Boulevard in Lithia.

•Why Go: More than 100 exhibitors, including about 10 restaurants with taste samples, on hand to showcase their wares and services for the Greater Brandon community. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Hillsborough Fire Rescue also scheduled to be in attendance. Music, door prizes, giveaways. Performances and demonstrations by Music Showcase of Brandon, the Theatre Arts & Dance Alliance (TADA) and Sidekicks Martial Arts.

•Cost: Free but $10 donation per family, or bring $10 worth of school supplies to support the YMCA backback program to benefit children in need is requested.

SEWING CLASS

•When/Where: 12:30-2:30 p.m., July 23, Brandon Family Support and Resource Center, 1277 Kingsway Road.

•Why Go: Adult sewing class.

•Cost: Free.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD

•When/Where: 2-3:30 p.m., July 23, Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 North Kingsway Road.

•Why Go: Have a voice in creating library programs and earn community service hours toward graduation, scholarships. Funded by the Friends of the Seffner-Mango Branch Library. Call: 813-273-3652.

•Cost: Free.

SATURDAY NIGHT SWING DANCE

•When/Where: 7–11 p.m., July 23, , 610 Oakfield Drive.

•Why Go: Strap on your dancing shoes and let loose to the sounds of Big Band, jazz and oldies hits. Experienced or a novice, this event is open to all skill levels. Call: 813-966-4788.

•Cost: $8.

"A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM"

•When/Where: 8 p.m., July 22-23, Plant City Entertainment Theatre, 101 North Collins Street, Plant City.

•Why Go: The community theater troupe presents this story of a slave’s desperate attempt to win his freedom. The slave, Pseudolus, attempts to help his young master, Hero, earn the love of a courtesan, Philia. Meanwhile, Pseudolus has to outsmart Hero's parents, the slave-master, Lycus, and the large man that has already paid for Philia, Miles Gloriosus. / Tickets available at the door. Call: 813-273-3652.

BBQ COOK-OFF

•When/Where: Noon-2 p.m., July 24, Park Square in FishHawk Ranch, 5721 Osprey Ridge Drive.

•Why Go: Barbecue chefs (or chef teams) are invited to test themselves against a pool of 30 to decide who can create the best burgers, dogs, chicken, or ribs. Call: 813-657-6629.

•Cost: $15 per entry, $5 for tasters.

YARD SALES

•When/Where: 7 a.m.-Noon, July 24, Alafia American Legion Post 148, 7240 Us Highway 301 S., Riverview.

•Why Go: Spaces are available for $7 and tables can be rented for $5. The post will serve breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Call: 813-677-6529.

•Cost: Free.