What is Tailgating?

By Pastor Rey Diaz

Many people have been asking us “What is a tailgate party?” and “How does it work?” Well here is a definition from the source of all worldly knowledge -- Wikipedia (words in blue have been added by us).

A tailgate party is a social event held on and around the open tailgate of a vehicle. Tailgating, which originated in the United States, often involves consuming beverages [our beverage of choice is root beer] and grilling food. Tailgate parties usually occur in the parking lots at stadiums and arenas [our arena is the church], before and occasionally after games and concerts [we are following the great concert of worship]. People attending such a party are said to be tailgating. Many people participate even if their vehicles do not have tailgates.

Tailgate parties have spread to the pre-game festivities at sporting events besides football, such as basketball, hockey, soccer, and baseball, and also occur at non-sporting events such as weddings and barbecues.

In schools and communities throughout the United States, there are athletic departments, coaches and parents of student athletes who rely on post-game tailgating parties to build community and support for their program and team.

Popular tailgate party foods include picnic staples such as hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and cold salads like coleslaw or potato salad. Some food products were created because of tailgate parties. A brand of pimento cheese, called Palmetto Cheese, got its start at Atlanta Braves tailgate parties [We have the traditional stuff, plus extra bonuses with specialties from our meta-congregations].

Lawn games.... are very popular during tailgates and tailgate parties. Lawn games are associated with tailgating primarily because of the simplicity in the game materials [Our lawn games will consist of football toss, relays, tug of war, and bean bag toss.  In addition we will have a photo booth for family picture and face painting, of course].

So if you are sports enthusiast, wear the colors of your favorite team.  If you are an avid fan, bring your car and decorate it up for tailgating.  If you just love to party with a great group of crazy people, come as you are and join in on the fun.