Free Speech

by Johnny Tailgate
01/08

The dictionary tells us a tailgate is “A hinged board or closure at the rear of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, that can be lowered during loading and unloading.” Or it’s “To follow another vehicle too closely.”

We’re not limited to sports; everyone wants a ‘gate at the end of their event. It’s no longer a “party” at the bar for the big game — now it’s “bargating”. That pot luck church supper is now the “churchgate”. But tailgating isn’t a place you go, or a thing you do; it’s how you look at life. Today, when you throw a party before, during, or after an event, even if it’s in your own backyard, it’s a tailgate.

Picture this; 50 guys, all participating in putting together an event on game day. One brings the meat, another the drinks, someone the chairs, the tents, the awnings. All of them are awake before anyone in their right mind should be on the weekend. Each of them has a part to play, each of them will do his darndest to make this event top-notch. But it’s not about the event. In the end, it’s really all about camaraderie, isn’t it? It’s about the opportunity to enjoy truly good times with like-minded people who are genuinely happy to see you. Let’s put it this way: when’s the last time you were handed a beer before having to ask for it?

Or maybe you are there first and foremost for the game. What happens when, tragedy of tragedies, your team does the unthinkable and loses? Well, having a tailgate crew to head back to takes a bit of the sting out of it — it’s hard to mope and moan too much when you’ve got burgers and beer waiting back at the car. Some cultures have wakes after funerals — think of it as your team’s wake (at least until next week).

On top of that, some of America’s finest recipes are developed at tailgates.Marinades, barbeque sauces, spices: the list is long. If you have some really good grilled food, I’d be willing to bet my house that there was a big game involved somewhere in its history.

Tailgating is so big because the core of any tailgate is the time spent with good friends who enjoy the same things as you do. Add in a close game, quality food and you’ve cooked yourself up a great afternoon.