5 Things To Know: Strawberry Festival, 'Arty Party,’ BSAC Casino Night, Chamber Health Fair and More

Four local  not-for-profit organizations undertake to both support their causes and engage the community in their respective missions to raise the bar on the quality of life in hometown Greater Brandon and beyond.

Who are you to stay away?

Besides, there’s something for everyone, regardless of tastes, age and background, and when you’re done, take in a show and check in on your health. (For good measure, support the kids at their band auction at Bloomingdale High School in Valrico — it’s the events 21st year and there are good finds to be had.)

1. The arts are alive for members of the not-for-profit Greater Brandon Arts Council, which hosts its Fifth Annual Arty Party Membership Drive at the . The event, from 7 to 10 p.m., features music, dance, theater and the visual arts. Cost to attend is $10, or free with the purchase of a $25 yearly GBAC membership. The event is free for GBAC members.  Center Place shares space with the Brandon Regional Library in the Sandy Rodriguez Center, at 619 Vonderburg Drive. 
2. Tradition and mission are the rallying cries of the not-for-profit  as it places its bets on its Fourth Annual Casino Night fundraiser. The not-for-profit Brandon mainstay is hosting the event March 5, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop in Riverview. The black-box theater and special event facility is at 11349 Bloomingdale Avenue, between Watson and Providence roads. Cost is $35 per person; $60 per couple.
3. Health screenings, massages, exhibits and giveaways are on top March 5 at the annual Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Health Fair at the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico. The fair runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to the general public, with activities for kids provided by many exhibitors. The Y is at 3414 Culbreath Road.
4. “” is on stage at the James McCabe Theater in Valrico, at 506 Fifth Street. The two-act comedy is return engagement for a show that has been traveling to many venues since its debut at the Plant City Entertainment theater in November 2009.  The show is directed by veteran community theater thespian Clint Shepherd, founder of MDHF Productions. Show dates are March 4-5, 11-12 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12.
5. The Florida Strawberry Festival, a not-for-profit undertaking run by some 2,500 volunteers yearly, is in full swing in its 76th year at the Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City. The festival runs from March 3-13 and has two addresses, 303 North Lemon St. and 2202 West Reynolds St. For related coverage, visit: 

21 Headliner Acts at the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival

And one, for good measure:

• The Bloomingdale High School band hosts its 21st Annual Benefit Auction March 5 in the Valrico school’s cafeteria, at 1700 East Bloomingdale Avenue. The auction kicks off at 3 p.m., with a viewing of available items commencing an hour earlier. Also on tap is a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Food and drink available at no cost (donations accepted). Items for auction include gift certificates to local restaurants, tickets to Rays and Lightning games, golf outings and Vera Bradley items.