The Urbana Parks Foundation is hosting Barn Bash coming up on May 17th at Hudson Farm in Urbana. The concert is a fundraiser for the Foundation and features the tangy, tropical rock and roll music of the Boat Drunks. This event is sure to be a great time, but to get you even more excited for the event, the Foundation’s events committee shares ten reasons why you should attend Barn Bash.
The Boat Drunks
The Boat Drunks, now entering their 19th year as a touring band, have performed from coast to coast with nearly every member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and have opened shows for Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, and Little Feat among many others. Other notable shows include playing outside of Wrigley Field in July 2011 prior to a Cubs-White Sox game, performing in 2015 at a Stanley Cup party for Coach Joel Quenneville of the Chicago Blackhawks, playing “Margaritaville” Theme Nights for the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium from 2016-19, for the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field, at the United Center for the Chicago Blackhawks and for many other Margaritaville-sponsored events. Their set includes many fan-favorite Buffett hits, original music from their five studio albums and other covers ranging from Little Feat to Johnny Cash to The Beatles and more.
Food Trucks
Some of Champaign-Urbana’s favorite food trucks will join Barn Bash to keep you full and happy throughout the event. Maize Mexican Grill, Dragonfire Pizza, and C&C Kitchen will be parked behind the Barn, just past the bar, and open for business throughout the event. Trucks will accept credit cards in addition to cash.
Awesome Location
Hudson Farm is conveniently located only a few miles from the Champaign-Urbana area at 1341 County Road 1800 E in Urbana. The venue can accommodate up to 300 people, so you know Barn Bash is going to be an AWESOME PARTY jam-packed with all of your friends and neighbors! The barn allows the Foundation to host the event rain or shine, meaning you’ll enjoy the event no matter the weather! There are nice, clean, indoor restrooms located just across from the bar. And, the farm offers convenient parking on the south side of the farm. Handicapped parking is available as well.
B.Y.O.C.
Bring your own chairs. Sure, this may not seem like a huge benefit of attending Barn Bash, but hear us out. When you bring your own chair you know it will be comfortable and allow you to sit just the way you like. You’ll avoid the typical concert-going uncomfortable stadium seating when you have the opportunity to bring your favorite lawn chair! Sit back, and relax, while you enjoy a great show for a great cause!
Cash Bar Featuring Local Brews
Hudson Farm’s beautiful built-in antique wood bar will be the setting for the Barn Bash cah bar. Their fully stocked bar will feature wine, mixed drinks, and beers. In addition, the beer selection will include a selection from Riggs Beer Company, also located in Urbana. If you’d prefer something non-alcoholic, the bar will also feature soft drinks and bottled water. The bar will accept credit cards, in addition to cash. Please note that no outside beverages (or coolers of any kind) are allowed.
VIP Tickets
If you’re looking to enhance your Barn Bash experience, consider the VIP ticket option. For $75 per ticket you’ll get dinner at a food truck, two drink tickets from the bar, and reserved seating inside the barn. The seating area will keep you within easy access to the bar and located just across from the band. It can’t get much better than that!
Supports Urbana Parks
Most importantly, Barn Bash proceeds support the mission of the Urbana Parks Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2007 to help meet the growing need for supplemental financial support of the Urbana Park District by raising funds for district activities. The Foundation seeks donations from people and organizations who appreciate the value of parks and park programs, not just for their immediate esthetic or environmental value, but for the impact they can have on future generations.
Support Youth Scholarships
The proceeds from your ticket purchase go towards the Foundation’s support of the Urbana Park District Youth Scholarship Program. Urbana has families from many socioeconomic backgrounds. Now more than ever it is important to reduce financial barriers and help youth from all families to participate in programs and services available from the Urbana Park District. Keeping all youth engaged with park programs is so important that the Urbana Parks Foundation and Urbana Park District have established increasing youth development resources as one of the three major emphases for their fundraising priorities.
Help Make Much Needed Updates to Crystal Lake Park
For more than a century, generations of Urbana residents have been enchanted by the natural beauty of Crystal Lake Park. From canoeing and paddle boating, special events at the Lake House or family picnics in the park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this community treasure. Throughout its history, the park has received periodic upgrades, and it’s now been 30 years since the park has last seen improvements. Right now the park is facing a critical time as the lake, and aging amenities, require immediate attention to preserve it for future generations. Critical improvements have already begun but much more work remains in an $8 million dollar multi-year complete park makeover. Proceeds from your Barn Bash tickets support the Foundation’s mission to help guarantee success in implementing this multi-phase rejuvenation of Crystal Lake.
Help Sustain a Strong Future for Urbana Parks
The Urbana Parks Foundation has created an endowment in order to generate a steady and reliable stream of income for the Urbana Park District. Proceeds from your Barn Bash tickets help leverage contributions with those from many others creating a impact that will continue forever. They will help to ensure that future generations will enjoy the important benefits that a strong Urbana park system provides.
Purchase your tickets now to Barn Bash by clicking here. We can’t wait to see you on May 17th!
For questions or for event sponsorship information please contact the UPF Events Committee at info@urbanaparksfoundation.org.