Each year the fall, millions of Americans are filled with excitement for full-blown football season. The promise o f a championship, a stand out player or a magical game brings fans to stadiums far and wide to be part of the thrill of the game. As the leaves change hue, the competition begins for many of us. Yet long before the first kickoff or touchdown is scored, fans file in for the pre-game ritual of tail-gating.
For many, the tail-gate is as important as the game. Culinary creations, state of the art cooking devices, and festive décor all are part of the celebration of tail-gating.
As a child, my family made our way to Athens, GA each Saturday in the fall to root on our beloved Georgia Bulldogs. Before making the hour long trek to the stadium, my parents would be up early preparing our feast. Fried chicken, potato salad, rolls; BBQ, beans and desserts were all part of the menu. Mama would pull together all of her red and black utensils, plates, tablecloths and napkins; after all, a tail-gate picnic isn’t just about the food, it is also about showing your team colors.
Many hours prior to the kick-off, we would load all the necessary accoutrements into the car and begin our journey to the game. Tail-gaters have their favorite spots on college campuses and it is important to arrive early so you can get your prized space. As soon as we arrived, mama would begin the full setup. Each pendant, bowl and pom-pom would have its assigned spot, all designed to fit the design she had created in her head.
While my original tail-gating memories are from many years ago, the tradition still remains. Like most things, tail-gating is bigger and bolder than it was in those early years. Now the tail-gate ritual includes giant grills, flat-screen televisions, catered meals and outrageous decorations.
Tail-gating today is a sport. For several hours prior to the game, fans file into parking lots in their motor homes with customized ovens and fully stocked bars. Tail-gating is the prelude to a big game, but for many it IS the game, a celebration of fall and the football fan!
About the author: Writer and Politician living in South Florida with my beautiful baby daughter "Lita" she has four legs beautiful black and white markings and will turn 3 in December.
Kendall is a professional writer and publishes his own personal Blog about his life experiences in the south. "Notes from a Southern Kitchen" @ http://notesfromasouthernkitchen.blogspot.com Read more from this author
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