Tailgate. Sometimes its a hinged flap on the back of a truck, and sometimes it is when a driver follows too closely behind another vehicle. It could even mean a style of jazz trombone playing characterized by improvisation in the manner of the early New Orleans musicians, according to the Oxford American Dictionaries. But, during football season it means FOOD!

On any given Friday night for high school football games or Saturday for college games or Sunday afternoon for pro games, the aroma coming from a parking lot is enough to make a mouth water.

One tale on the origins of tailgating in the food sense began in the 1800s at the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. The LSU Tiger fans bring along a healthy appetite and outdoor cooking skills as big as their support for their team. So the legend begins.

(Use arrows above to view more photos) Advertisement

The art of tailgate cooking can be found wherever sports teams attract sports fans. Web sites abound with recipes for the different areas, each touting their teams and their recipes over that of their opponents.

The art of tailgate cooking has spawned competitions through the state. In Loreauville, the Knights of Columbus holds its cookoff each October as a fundraiser for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church’s building and maintenance fund. Jerry Fruge, one of the event organizers, said this year’s Tailgating Cookoff and Fais Do Do is scheduled for Oct. 23 through 25 in Loreauville Park.

Now, it seems the whole world knows about tailgating. Commercials on television tout the best brand of sausage to use at tailgating parties, pro football fans arrive early to start game off with a bang. The decorations become more elaborate each game. New “trinkets” aimed at the tailgater market are being developed each season, such as LSU paper plates and canopies.

One Web site, nationaltailgate.com, includes  “Tailgating Set-up Essentials” which suggests the consummate tailgater should carry  portable folding chairs and tables with tablecloths, team flags and banners, automotive accessories such as team hitch covers and license plates and even a tool kit. All to make the pre-game event as important as the final score of the game.

The next generation of tailgaters begin as high school students fire up barbecue pits before the game in the tradition of their fathers, sometimes burning a lot of hamburgers and hot dogs before getting the routine down to perfection by season’s end.

So, break out the barbecue tools, load up the pit and develop a menu to make to competition cry.

It’s tailgating time.

Go, Tigers, Go Saints, Go Panthers, but only after we eat.

Tailgating Setup Essentials

First and foremost, you’ll need the right tailgating equipment to ensure you have the right atmosphere and that all of your tailgating guests are comfortable

• Tailgate Chairs — There aren’t many other tailgating supplies that are more important than chairs, therefore, some portable folding chairs are a must.

• Folding Tables — Whether for food or for games, folding tailgate tables serve a very important purpose at all tailgates.

• Tablecloths — They add class to your tailgate (and your tables won’t get all sticky and dirty!)

• Tents & Canopies — Rain or shine, tailgate parties are always subject to Mother Nature.

With an adequate tailgate tent, you can give your guests a way to get out of the hot sun, or stay dry when it rains.

• Generators and Power Supplies — If you plan on bringing any appliances or equipment that require power, you’ll need a portable generator. These power supplies allow you to really turn your tailgate into an outdoor living room.

• Power strip/Surge Protector — So you can power more than one thing at a time.

• Extension Cords — The addition of an extension cord will allow you be more flexible with your setup.

• Gasoline — You’ll need some extra gas if you’re using a gas-powered generator.

• Flags/Banners and Flag Poles — What better what to show your true team pride than by flying your teams flag high atop a portable flagpole.

The telescoping flagpoles are also perfect for creating a landmark for your tailgate among a sea of other tailgaters. Banners will also let you decorate your tailgate party with your teams colors.

• Flag Pole Mount — Don’t forget a mount for your flagpole. How else will the flagpole stand straight?

• Lights and Lanterns — If you plan on having a

tailgate that extends into the night, you’ll need a way to see what you’re doing.

Flashlights will also do the trick.

• Automotive Accessories — Car Mats, Hitch Covers, License Plates, Tailgate Seats, Headrest Covers. Find any way to turn your car/truck into a fan-mobile.

• Heaters — If you’re tailgating in a notoriously cold location, a portable fireplace or heater is a savior.

• Wind Screen — Like to tailgate but hate the wind?

Try a wind screen to keep the wind out.

• Tool Kit — Tool kits are one of the most necessary yet forgotten tailgating essentials.

Whether you’re repairing something or building a new tailgate item, the benefits of having a

toolkit are endless.

courtesy nationaltailgate.com