The annual Community Tailgate is famous for free hot dogs and beverages at the Bulldogs’ first football game of the season in September. For the coming season, the event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27, when Vicksburg faces Dowagiac in its first home game.
Sponsored by the Vicksburg schools community education department, the event allows area businesses and nonprofit organizations to showcase their wares to the thousand or more parents and students who attend this pregame celebration. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for the specialty hot dogs provided by Amy and Randy Miller’s catering group.
This is the seventh annual gathering that showcases vendors’ products, ranging from ice cream cones from Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene to Vicksburg Farmers’ Market vegetable samplings. Giveaways are a big part of the event, with “bling” of all sorts given out to the younger generation. The service clubs, businesses and the nonprofits all try to attract the eyeballs of prospective customers. Tailgate sponsorship gives vendors a chance to strut their stuff in an atmosphere that is friendly and not pushy, said Tonya Nash, chief organizer along with Beckie Oswalt, her assistant.
The band will step off at 6:45 p.m. The game is set for 7 p.m. There is no admittance fee for the Tailgate. Those attending are encouraged to cheer on the home team, at $5 a head for adults, $3 for students.