The Tailgating Crowd

College students like you make up most of the tailgating population, but the seniors are picking up the national past-time with equal fervor. Not to be discounted are the children who tag along with their parents, dressed in mascot hats and junior sports-logo tees. The small ones are also developing a taste for tailgate fun very early.

However, there is no rule that says that tailgate parties are exclusives for sporting events. Even concert fans have their outdoor parties too, complete with all the trimmings. Everybody can have their tailgate parties anytime and anywhere as long as it isn't freezing cold, and they bring their satellite dish to hook up to the games or listen to their favorite radio broadcasts.

The party scenes look like the indoors bought outdoors. There are rugs on the parking lot where the tables are set up with colorful tablecloths, flowers, and cutlery; there are brightly colored throw pillows on the chairs, and even galleys with a small fridge. There seems to be some competition going on! Everybody wants to have the best tailgate gear, the best food, and the most fun. Rivalries are forgotten and everybody talks about the games in between sips and bites.

The Food Galore

As early as Wednesday, RVs start taking up space on the parking lot, so better be early. The parties usually start at 4PM and can swing until the wee hours of the morning. Bring your comforters and fluffy pillows to bed that night and look forward to more fun the next day until game day, which is usually held on the weekend.

For tailgate fare, a robust menu is in order. The standard fare is the following:

* Grilled meats

* Hash brownss

* Buttermilk biscuits

* Tacos

* One Pot meals

* Sandwiches

* Pulled beef or pork

* Soups (yes, they are becoming popular fare)

Preparing for a Tailgate Party

You don't have to wait for a gameday to have your tailgate party. How about hosting a tailgate party for your friends? Even non-NFL or NCAA fans love tailgate do's. You're sure nobody would want to miss it.

Arrange your party ahead of time. Do a headcount of your guests and plan meals that can be cooked ahead of time. Select food that do not spoil easily and are easy to prepare. Be sure to have the proper containers - insulated containers for warm food and roomy ice chest to keep cold foods cold. Bring in loads of disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. It makes the after-party cleaning up easier because after all the fun, who wants to do the dishes?

Before you can take along cases of beer, make sure that it's legal in your state. Don't forget the can and bottle openers. It can be pain in the neck when there's nothing around to uncap the beer or a corkscrew for the champagne.

Other important things to take along are: first aid kit, trash bins, and a fire extinguisher. An outdoor umbrella can be useful when the weather is hot. Bring along some extra clothes for the children and lots of wipes. One important tip - ask your friends to come in their most comfortable clothes. You'll be amazed at the relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy!