The Art of Tailgating

The game is hours away from kickoff but the masses of people, vehicles, tents, grills and tables occupy acres upon acres in lots near the football stadium. It seems that every available space is dedicated to food, cocktails, wines, iced tea and soft drinks.

Welcome to college football tailgating, a national and very friendly outdoor feast that is transcending the actual games in popularity. While the men-more given to beer and hot dogs-weren’t looking, the women, who long ago mastered home cooking and entertaining, came forward with more elaborate dishes, table decorations, wines, sangrias, serving everything in plates and glasses decorated in school colors.

Women are winning this friendly competition. I’ve strolled through over 60 college tailgating areas over the years and can confirm that some of the dishes I’ve tasted put good restaurants to shame and the quality and diversity of beverages is improving by the week. We owe the girls a nod of thanks.

Photographing tailgating is difficult because of the huge perspective and the fact you cannot arrange the audience and scenery. But, the trained eye of an award-winning artist can accomplish wonders.

“I’ve been tailgating,” says Atlanta artist Olivia Thomason, “and I love the combination of hospitality, tradition and serving wonderful food. It has the feel of a good backyard celebration.” With a roomful of trophies going back to her days as a gallery owner, Ms. Thomason recently completed “Great American Tailgating,” a whimsical, colorful interpretation of what she calls ‘the ultimate tailgating experience.” College banners are everywhere. The Goodyear blimp hovers over everything. There’s even a fortune teller selling predictions about the final score.

More than anything, there is overriding joy. In an era when it seems intolerance and nastiness are de regeur, it’s absent here. Olivia Thomason maintains that “these gatherings are almost always friendly and festive. Seniors playing with grandchildren. In Baton Rouge outside Tiger Stadium, I’ve seen folks dancing to live bands. No mater where you go, tailgaters insist you eat their good food and have a glass of something cold and delicious.”

Atlanta writer and historian Dr. Richard Funderburk owns some of Olivia Thomason’s paintings. Lauder her as Georgia’s “queen of folk art,” Funderburk added: “as someone who doesn’t particularly like football, I absolutely love this painting.”

Doc Lawrence is a veteran food and wine journalist, author and broadcaster. A popular speaker and event dinner host, his weekly show can be enjoyed on the worldwide iHeart Radio Network and www.thegourmethighway.com.

Contact: doclawrence@mindspring.com