Before there was a tailgate party caterer, there were tailgate parties. In fact, the concept of caterer was absent, except, perhaps, for self-catering. Yet, the history of tailgate parties has been the subject of discussion with many providing their own opinions, sometimes sketchily backed up by historical data, on where it originated and by whom. As a result, several theories have arisen with no single one claiming to “own” the debate.
Defining Tailgate Parties
Put at its simplest, a tailgate party is a social event. It involves grilling food and beverages served out of and on the tailgate of a truck, car or any other vehicle. It is said to have originated in the United States, but, depending upon the definition of “tailgate party,” it may find its beginnings in almost any type of social gathering that involves portable food and a vehicle.
Popular Tailgate Food
Over the years, several types of food have found its way onto the tailgate party menu. This is something a tailgate party caterer is well aware of. He or she can rhyme off the most popular items including:
- Hamburgers
- Hot Dogs
- Baked Beans
- Cold Salads e.g. coleslaw, potato salad, egg salad, chicken egg salad
There are, of course, a variety of other types of foods that appear including sandwiches, beer and different sodas. The food is often catered to meet the demands and needs of different ages and, of course, tastes. Individuals tend to provide their own meals, but some corporations – including sports teams, provide a tailgate party caterer to handle the food for the event.
Origin Theories
According to some experts at the American Tailgaters Association, the first tailgate party dates back to 1861 and the Civil War. As is the case with many sporting and blood sports, civilians arrived to watch the upcoming battle- First Battle of Bull Run, on a Sunday, riding in wagons weighed down with food and drink. This is the first theory of the origins but not the most common, although often cited. The second theory actually focuses on a sporting event that took place in the following century.
This theory states tailgate parties owes its origins to the first college football game that took place between Princeton and Rutgers. Holders of this notion state that the spectators arrived and began to roast sausages. They did so at “tail end” of a horse. It all formed part of their pre-game rituals.
Another sports theory places emphasis on a game held at Yale. The sports fan taking a train to the 1904 football event saw them bringing food and drink to the stadiums. Interesting, but taking food for long train trips in boxes was a common occurrence except for those who could afford to dine on the train. In fact, boxed lunches and bringing food and drink to most events was a practice common to disadvantaged blacks up to and including the early 20th century America.
The claims of the Green Bay Packers to the term and the practice is too murky. There is also no historical data backing up this claim. There are neither photographs nor reputable historical sources to confer upon them the honor of founding tailgating in the 1920s. It is a myth that has grown and established itself as fact overtime.
The reality is that the first known incidence of a vehicular tailgating party did not occur until 1957 when Angela Pisani, wife of a the team doctor of the Dodgers, arrived, according to her daughter, as usual with a large amount of food and drink to serve children and the adults. It was an inexpensive way of making sure everyone got to eat before or after the game. She lowered down the tailgate of her station wagon. A passerby asked what she was doing and she replied holding a sort of “Tailgate party.”
Today- Call the Tailgate Party Caterer
Whatever its origins, tailgate parties have become the norm for many Americans. For some fans, this is better than the actual football game. In fact, this is the reason certain individuals actually attend some sporting events. They have even been televised.
Yet, today, tailgate parties are no longer restricted to popular sporting events. It has come to form a ritualistic part of other special events and occasions including weddings and, of course, concerts. At these events, food is one of the main ingredients. Moreover, if it is a wedding or other special occasion, it may not be the typical home catered items. For such events, you may feel obliged to hire a tailgate party caterer. This will ensure that all your guests, even in this pre event mode and, you will be creating your own traditions that may be upheld by your children and their children.
Tailgate Party Caterer
Are you looking for the perfect Tailgate Party Food Caterer? Look no further until you talk to the staff at Business Name. They may have just the right items you need to make your event a success. To discover more about their menus and services, visit them online at Facebook or Twitter.
