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Tailgating
Monday, September 05, 2005

By Christina VanGinkel

When one hears the word tailgating, it is most often associated with cooking and partying at a major league football or other sports game, usually in the adjoining parking lot. Tailgating though actually refers to any form of cooking and partying that takes place where vehicles are gathered outdoors. Along a riverbank after a day of fishing or canoeing, in the middle of the winter while watching ski jumps, at the lake after a day spent swimming, anyplace that a group of people gather outdoors to share some good food, good talk, and more often than not, a beer or two.

If you happen to be one of the growing crowds of people who enjoy partaking in a bit of tailgating every now and then, there are things you can do before the big day, to keep the food and fun flowing when the big day arrives.

Know how your grilling equipment works, and have all supplies you might need with you. When you are parked in the middle of a huge parking lot, with vehicles for miles around you, or in the backwoods along your favorite out of the way trout stream, it is not the ideal time for you to realize that your charcoal is not the instant light kind and that you require starting fluid. A trip to the store is most likely not an option. Neither is filling a propane tank that you suddenly realize is empty, or picking up an extra pair of tongs. Make a list of needed supplies, and double check it before heading out. This simple task will be appreciated more than any other thing you do before the party or after.

If there is any possibility that you will be tailgating in inclement weather, but not bad enough to make you pack up and go home, or the afternoon is going to be hot, hot, hot, and on blacktop making it even hotter, bring along a freestanding shelter. The shade provided will be very welcome. In addition, if hot weather is a factor take along extra ice to make sure your meats and salads stay cold and the drinks cool.

Pack enough chairs to make your time spent comfortable, and any other comfort items you might not initially think of, such as a blanket or two if you will be there into the cool of an evening, or you started out on a winter afternoon. Sunscreen and bug repellant are necessary, as is a radio or portable television if catching the score of a game is required.

On the food front, always bring along more than you think you need. Mix salads and such ahead of time and marinade and season the day before so you do not have to bring along seasonings, except for the basics, and if you are bringing any drinks besides canned or bottled beverages, pre-mix those if possible. One favorite of mine is a watermelon mix with alcohol poured right into the melon. We mix ours in the morning and place it directly into its very own cooler assigned just for it! Most importantly, be sure you bring along your appetite, as the best part of the whole day will be actually eating the food!

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