Tailgating Etiquette 101 . . . .

We had our first "mini" tailgater this past Thursday. It was a work night for most of us and we didn't get to Corvallis until right before game time. We did meet up with our friends at halftime for some quick catching up, good eats and then back into the game..home at 12:15 that night and up at 5am for work the next morning. Glad we don't have to do that very often! Anyway, here are some great rules in tailgating.. and I think our group follows most but not all of them for sure! Looking forward to the next one gang!!

• Tailgating is part of the fiber of the game-day experience.
• It's not about the number of tailgaters at the stadium, it's about participating.
• While food is a main ingredient of the tailgate, food doesn't make the party. Your friends make the party. When you're standing around laughing with your friends, hot dogs taste great!
• Attitude is key to a successful tailgater. A tailgate is a special place where the only stranger is the person you haven't said "hello" to yet.

Top 10 Tailgating Mistakes

• Getting drunk (oops, some in our group have been there)
• Not having a checklist and forgetting things
• Not bringing trash bags and not cleaning up after your tailgate
• Not bringing enough food (never a problem with our group)
• Not bringing enough ice
• Not treating visitors with courtesy just because they're wearing the colors of the opposing team
• Using obscenity - verbally and by means of clothing, like wearing a tshirt insulting your opponent rather than supporting your team.
• Not being dressed properly for weather
• Leaving your radio, TV or other item on and running down your car battery.
• Not having proper jumper cables to help people who leave their radio, TV or other item on and run down their car battery :)

Tailgating unwritten rules . . . . .

• Never take up more space than needed while tailgating.
• Don't wear shirts that contain foul language, they'll only end up embarrassing you and especially if children are present it's tacky!
• Draw the line between good natured ribbing and obnoxious behavior.
• Be aware of which way the wind is blowing on your grill
• Offer food and drink to tailgate neighbors
• Never use gas or flames to impress others. . . (ok Blake?)
• Realize when stereo volume may be a little too much
• Use manners to your opponent's fans and act sportsmanlike after the results of the game are final
• Leave your venue the way you found it
• Don't drive home drunk!

Here is the recipe to a quick and easy dip that seemed to be popular at our game Thursday.....sooo easy! happy tailgating!

1 carton sour cream, 1 carton cottage cheese, 1 package Hidden Valley or Uncle Dan's ranch dressing, mix together, let set for min. 2hrs before serving. Serve with chips....it's really good!