It's the time of the year again when the colors of the leaves start to change, the weather gets cooler, and football fans gear up for Week 5 of the NFL season.
For those of you who get excited about the changing of the leaves and the cooler weather, but couldn't care less about Week 5 Football, you're about to learn the Basic Principles of Tailgating -- aka what football season is all about.
For the novice out there, I will explain the 'basic' Basic Principles of Tailgating.
A tailgate party is typically held in the parking lot or surrounding areas of the stadium or arena of the game, match or event you are about to attend.
Generally, a tailgating party is a gathering of friends, family and others whom you share a common interest with - the game, match or event you are all about to attend.
A tailgating party usually surrounds one or many vehicles (note: your vehicle does not need to have a tailgate per se).
In order to make your tailgate party a success, there are several basic principles you must follow.
We all know that food is the key to a man's heart.
Well, food is also the key to a great tailgate party! When preparing for your tailgate party, whether you're hosting or attending, food is Basic Principle #1.
Staple tailgate food includes but is not limited to hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken wings, buffalo wings, baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad and chips and dip.
If you can't remember these items, just think 'picnic essentials'.
However, the tailgate parties that get the most attention are those with non-traditional foods.
Anything that can set a tailgate apart from the guy in the next parking spot will rank your tailgate party higher.
Depending on what part of the country you are tailgating in factors into the tailgating experience as well.
For example, in Nebraska, residents, fans, and bystanders are known as the Cornhuskers.
This isn't by chance; Nebraska is the third-largest corn producing state in the Unite States.
Many tailgaters take pride in their corn on the cob eating contests as well as in their corn on the cob recipes and preparation execution.
You will see tailgate parties that feature 'cooler corn', where corn on the cob is placed in a larger cooler that is filled with scalding hot water - which in turn cooks the corn and keeps it hot throughout the tailgating party.
Another example is slow-roasted corn.
Residents of Nebraska often own slow roasters, similar to the ones that roast chicken.
As the corn on the cob turns, churns and roasts, it makes for a delectable treat at the tailgate party.
In addition to food, Basic Principle #2 of tailgating is beverages.
Typically, tailgate parties feature an array of beverages ranging from iced tea to beer to other alcoholic mixed drinks.
Alcoholic beverages naturally lead me to Basic Principle #3 -- traditional tailgate games.
Traditional tailgate party games include beer pong, corn hole, washers, flip cup and ladder ball.
Stay tuned for more insight into these games along with more 'Basic Principles of Tailgating'.