Page 178 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2016

SPORTS & OUTDOORS get this party started
SHERRI CARR BEVIS’ TOP TEN TAILGATING TIPS
1. Gather a few of your favorite people who love your team and start a tailgate group and name it!
2. Do a theme for each game, for example Bulldog Barbecue, Brunch with Bulldogs, etc.
3. Divide your dish into two portions and keep it on ice if it needs to stay cold. One for pre-game and one for post-game.
4. Begin preparing food early in the week so you have a variety of items the day of the event.
5. Everyone has TVs set up for watching other games, but music is also a fun addition.
6. Pack items and use disposable dishes for easy clean up after the game.
A smart purchase is a wagon for easy loading and unloading.
7. Always prepare extra food and beverages for surprise guests who might stop by to say hello. Mississippi hospitality is a key ingredient of any tailgate.
8. It’s always nice to have a few folks stay behind during the game who like to watch it on TV. They can make sure things don’t walk way.
9. Share recipes and decorating ideas with others who may be interested in starting a tailgate.
TAILGATING
story by Mark Spain
Tailgating is a time-honored fan tradition in college and professional sports. It basically started with sold out arenas, where fans would come to the games and listen to the game on the radio with their friends. Since most vendors were located in the arena, ingenuity to feed the loyal, hungry fans became a necessity.
Lugging a heavy and awkward charcoal grill became a tradition, but not without its casualties. The dangers of flammable starting fluids, lingering hot coals and tipping hazards were just a necessary evil. In the modern day, the charcoal grill is taking a backseat to the portable gas grill. This evolution has made the grill masters of the parking lots, faster and more efficient than ever.
The grill is not only being used for the traditional steaks, hamburgers, and hotdogs, but now provide such delights as fruity shish kabobs, dad’s famous chili and Aunt Ruth’s three-meat lasagna. The genius of modern grills allows even rookie tailgaters to feed
their crews.
Tailgating has changed from stopping
at a fried chicken joint and filling a
cooler with beverages and snacks, to an elaborate exposition of pop-up tents, large pull-
178 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2016
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
time
behind grills, and decor that would impress most interior designers. From Cornhole to Ladder Golf, there are all kinds of games that fans play prior to an event. In fact, it’s sometimes more fun to stay in the parking lot than be inside the stadium.
“Tailgating is the icing on the cake for any avid sports fans in the fall,” said Mississippi State alumni Sherri Carr Bevis. “We love our football, food, and fun times with friends as we celebrate football season in the Deep South. Hail State!”
Everybody wants to be a chef and have the most variety of edible treats to impress their friends. Opposite page are a few recipes for the beefeaters and the meat intolerant.
Tailgating has even become an entrepreneur activity. Anyone can hire a professional to do all the work
of prepping, cooking and grilling. They’ll take care of all the guests’ needs, including providing TV
and sound systems. So for the people who want all the partying without all the hassle, break out your wallets.
In the end, there are no rules to tailgating except be ready to party and have a great game day. Whether a novice or seasoned tailgater, be safe and courteous to everyone around you. Remember everyone is there to have a good time.