Written by Vicki Anzmann
It is a uniquely American custom: A social event focused on the lowered tailgate of a vehicle.
Typically, it revolves around a football game, but fans of other sports also participate, and an actual tailgate is no longer essential.
The only real requirements are friends, a picnic and a blacktop. But there are a plethora of choices for equipment and trappings. Some folks bring just the basics, while others ferry in all the comforts of home.
Fans can create a tailgate party with just a few supplies: a grill to cook, a cooler with ice and the food. Or one can go “all out” with some of the more sophisticated products on the market, many made specifically for this pastime, such as a portable television, stereo speakers, a hitch-mounted table, a GPS, and even a portable bathroom. There is even a tailgater’s handbook!
Here are a few of the products available in local stores to make the tailgating experience topnotch. Many of the more specialized items are available only online. (Just know your vendor.) And a checklist can be helpful to make sure the party is thoroughly equipped.
Cooking With Gas – Typical tailgate fare involves grilling, and parking-lot chefs will love the Weber Q220, a portable gas grill built just for this pastime. It has 280 square inches of cooking space, a removable drip tray, push-button ignition, a built-in thermometer, and uses a disposable 14.1 ounce propane cylinder. $199 at Bowman’s Home and Garden Center, 100 John Street in Westminster, 410-751-7290. Free assembly and delivery of all grills.
Also available: NFL four-piece barbecue set, $39.99, Monster Home Arcade & Billiards, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, 410-751-5602, www.MonsterGameRoom.com.
Chill Out – Keep everything cold with the Coleman PowerChill cooler. Portable (it plugs into the truck’s cigarette lighter) and adaptable (it has a converter for AC power use), the “mini-fridge” can hold 40 cans and snacks, and eliminates the need for ice! $79.64 at Westminster Wal-Mart Store, 280 Woodward Road, (410) 857-8307, also locations in Eldersburg, Hampstead, and Mt. Airy.
Stay Warm – For those chilly autumn games, the Coleman Perfectemp Eventcat catalytic heater will keep fans warm. The portable heater will operate for seven hours on one 16.4 ounce propane cylinder. $44.96 at Westminster Wal-Mart Store, 280 Woodward Road, (410) 857-8307, also locations in Eldersburg, Hampstead, and Mt. Airy. (NOT SHOWN)
Cover Up – A big game umbrella offers protection from the sun or showers, or can cover the whole tailgate party with a canopy (not pictured). Umbrella, $29.99, Ravens tent/canopy, $199, from Monster Home Arcade & Billiards, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, 410-751-5602, www.MonsterGameRoom.com.
Power Up – For the serious electronic junkie, the Black & Decker Maxx power inverter converts the truck’s DC power into household 115 volt AC. Plug in a television, boom box, or any other electric device for all the comforts of home. $34.24 at Westminster Wal-Mart Store, 280 Woodward Road, (410) 857-8307, also locations in Eldersburg, Hampstead, and Mt. Airy.
Sit Down – Fans can get into the spirit with a folding Captain’s chair in team colors, with 2 cup holders, $39.99, from Monster Home Arcade & Billiards, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, 410-751-5602, www.MonsterGameRoom.com.
Cheer Up – Ravens beach towel, $19.99, 5 qt Ravens bucket, peanuts, $15.99, Ravens chip and dip plate, $19.99, Ravens bottle coozie, $9.99, Ravens pennant, $5.99, from Monster Home Arcade & Billiards, 400 North Center Street, Westminster, 410-751-5602, www.MonsterGameRoom.com.
