College Football & Tailgating 2020

~Doc Lawrence

If there is one event in the South that transcends everything, it's college football. I confess getting caught up in the excitement each year as summer winds down. The rivalries are deep, the loyalties even deeper. Heroes and villains emerge weekly assuring victory laps for some and tears for others.

"Great American Tailgating" 

Gamedays spawned Tailgating, the great pre-kickoff feast that the late esteemed raconteur Frank Spence said was born at Manassas during the Civil War. As the stadiums got bigger to seat more fans, Tailgating went mainstream whereby today's fancy food and delicious libations are distant hints of yesterday's hot dogs, Coke and beer. Big tents, oversized trucks, RV's showcase food from the grill served with Champagne or Jack Daniel's. 

No matter the outcome of the game, Tailgating stands alone, judged by each bite or sip. Of course, a victorious home team is icing on the cake.

It's an industry now. Tailgating cookbooks and accessories emblazoned with team logos sell big time for high prices. I've visited stadium parking lots in over a dozen states for 30 years, writing and broadcasting about the food, beverages and colorful fans. Some of the best food I've ever enjoyed was served generously by these celebrants. 

With very few exceptions, Tailgaters are friendly, generous and spirited. I've made friendships with some that endure to this day.

Frank Spence, "Mr. Tailgating"

The award-winning Atlanta artist Olivia Thomason captured the joy of Tailgating on her canvass. I featured it in several magazine articles and thought it timely to show it again. I've listed the teams shown and found all the SEC and ACC member colleges plus Notre Dame and Ohio State. The painting is rich in detail, incorporating whimsy and humor, two elements that help make a gloriuous celebration.

Last season, her prints of the original sold out. She was encouraged to produce an edition for 2020, and she agreed. The size, 18"x24" is perfect for framing. The production is flawless, first rate and it looks, to borrow words from Coach Bobby Bowden, "dad-gummed great" on a wall in the den.

For information, contact Olivia: bigoart1@yahoo.com.

Stay Safe. Eat Well. Love One Another.

Doc Lawrence
doclawrence@mindspring.com