SPS Foundation plans homecoming tailgate for Friday's game

SIKESTON -- Sikeston Bulldog fans will have plenty of time to get into the spirit of homecoming as a tailgate is planned prior to Friday's game in Sikeston.

The 2014 Homecoming Tailgate hosted by the Sikeston Public Schools Foundation will begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday on the Sikeston High School campus.

Lauren DeWitt, executive director of the SPS Foundation, said tickets are still available for the event.

"We will have tons of activities for every age," DeWitt said. "The high school band and choir as well as cheerleaders and football team will do a walk through prior to the game and we'll introduce the players."

The Booster Club will also be on-site, selling Bulldog merchandise, DeWitt said. An area will be designated for children's games and photo opportunities, she added.

For example, a photo prop with face cutouts of fall athletes will be available. Cheerleaders will be painting face tattoos on children, and various sponsors will have giveaways.

General admission is $5 and includes entry into the tailgate and also a hot dog, chips and drink as well as food samplings from Aramark. Attendees can enter through two entry gates. The tickets do not include admission to the football game as those tickets will be sold separately.

Some individuals and business have also already reserved tailgate spots and will have tents set up in designated locations.

This year's three grand marshals include former Sikeston R-6 educators, Wanda Throop and Mr. and Mrs. Murray Sullivan.

"They will be recognized as longtime Sikeston employees and Bulldog supporters," DeWitt said. "We chose for all their service throughout the years in Sikeston Public Schools and their continued support even after."

The parade marshals will also serve as judges for the tent with the "Best Bulldog Presentation."

All money raised goes to the Foundation which, in turn, will go directly back to the schools, DeWitt said.

"We've had great support from our sponsors and the community and it should be a great atmosphere. And who doesn't like to go to a great tailgate before a Bulldog football game?," said Chris Hodgkiss, SHS alumnus and member of the R-6 Board of Education.

Hodgkiss, who also helped plan this year's event, said scene to Sikeston's event is typical to any tailgate before a game.

"There will be folks out there with their own tent areas and grilling," Hodgkiss said.

Hodgkiss said the tailgate is a good, family atmosphere.

"There's no doubt. It will be a good time," he said.

Hodgkiss recalled a moment that stood out during last year's tailgate -- when the football team walked as a group through the crowd.

"It's a cool atmosphere when the football team is walking down as a unit and walk through the tailgate area," Hodgkiss said. "All the fans formed a little tunnel for them to walk through."

Friday's event also provides an opportunity for the community to come together and show their school pride, Hodgkiss said.

"Sikeston has always been one to support our school and sports in the school system and that's across the board -- not just the people who are participating or parents who have kids there," Hodgkiss said. "So it really it is a great community event."

To purchase tickets in advance, email DeWitt at ldewitt@sikeston.k12.mo.us.