EPISODE 3: Thanksgiving TAILGATING So Thanksgiving Weekend is here and you and the boys are planning on heading to a football game on Sunday afternoon. Why not work on getting hold of a pickup truck and preparing for a tailgating party in the parking lot. Tailgating has been around for a long time – there’s even documentation of tailgaters at Ivy league football games as early as 1902. Basically, what it consists of is setting up the back of your truck or van and throwing a big, on site pre-game party. The beer should flow like water, the music should be loud, and everyone should spend their time getting pumped up for the game. One of the most important things to remember for any good tailgating party is the food. People are there to drink, prepare for the game, and eat. You don’t want to spend too much time thinking about it on site, but for a memorable tailgate, you want the food to be a notch up on hot dogs and chips. That’s going to require a little bit of prep time. All you need to make beer boiled bratwurst is some good quality German bratwurst, a couple of beer per sausage, and a red onion. At home before the game, chop and fry your onions in the pot, pour in the required amount of beer and an even amount of water, and bring to a rolling boil. Now add your brats and let them cook until they turn a light grey in color, about three minutes. When they’re done, let them cool off to room temperature, put them in some resealable plastic bags and throw them in the fridge. When you’re ready to go, throw them in the cooler and chuck ‘em in the back of the truck. When you get there, just fire up the old hibachi and toss the brats straight from the baggie onto the grill. Cook them like you would a hot dog and you’re ready to chow down. 10 Hints For a Great Tailgating Party 1. Dress in team colors!!! Wear a team jersey or sweatshirt! You are the 12th man on the team…the 1st player on the Tailgating Team. Show your team spirit. Tailgaters are the best fans!!!!! 2. Plan your menu and do prep work a day or two before the game. Keep the menu simple (here are some sample recipes) and pack prepared food in disposable containers. 3. Make a list of the items you want to take along. Check off items as you pack. Pack paper products (plates, napkins, towels, forks, spoons, etc.) the night before. Remember such items as a small first aid kid, trashbags, water, and damp towels in ziplocks to clean hands and face. 4. Plan to arrive 3 to 4 hours early and stay 1 to 2 hours after the game. 5. Find a good spot to park. Not all parking spaces are created equal! Park next to a grassy area or at the end of the parking row--this gives you more room for serious tailgating! 6. Fly a flag on a very high pole so friends can find you. 7. Decorate your tailgate site with team pennants and other team stuff. 8. Meet your tailgate neighbors, throw the football with friends, read the Sunday paper and have a good time! Note: If attending a Thursday or Saturday game, substitute appropriate newspaper. 9. Food should be ready 1 and 1/2 hours before the game starts. This is plenty of time for those going to the game to eat, clean up and extinguish fires. (Those not going to the game can pull out the generator and TV. 10. Leave area clean. Begin thinking about food and friends for the next game.

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