Unless you’re not from around here, like from another galaxy, you know that folks in these parts take autumn pretty seriously. It’s a festive time of year with huge crowds of people decked out in the colors of the season – yellows, red, crimson, white, orange and blue – with a smattering of black and gold. Yep, college football will be the hot topic for the next three months. The action on the field will be fierce.

As pregame parties have become more elaborate, the competition for the best tailgate spread will also be spirited. Some of these players strategize well in advance while others have time-tested game plans that score big year after year. Though we generally think of the tailgate party as happening in the parking lots or open fields near a stadium, it is a social event that can take place anywhere you like and you don’t really need a tailgate. What you do need is a few rabid fans of one team or another, not necessarily football, a little food and a wee dram of your favorite adult beverage – or more; a dram is about 1/8 fluid ounce. Wee, indeed.