|
Editorial: May the party go on and on
Op-Ed · October 31, 2014
With both the football and volleyball teams heading into the playoffs and both of them at the top of their conference or district, we find ourselves wanting to party.
Tailgate party.
A few weeks ago, West Branch United Methodist Church held its annual Bears tailgate party, one of the grand events of the year that makes West Branch unique and special.
The event features all fall sports, from cheerleading to even Iowa City High School’s cross country team, as West Branch sends “Bear-Hawks” to run with the Little Hawks.
Volunteers set up games, crank up high-spirited music and cook up lots and lots of hot dogs and burgers. Pastor Alexis Johnson continues the tradition of opening the event with a prayer and the fun takes off from there.
The church gets permission from the City of West Branch to block off Green Street from Downey to First Street and finding an open parking space might mean heading down to Main Street. Families pour in from the surrounding neighborhood with children so young they can’t even yet pronounce “Bear” but still have a blast with scores of other children, even those who create their own games by skittering to the back yard between the church and parsonage.
The student-athletes introduce themselves sport by sport and the coaches say a few words to get the fans pumped for the upcoming games. The cheerleaders follow to lead the crowd in the spirit — perhaps Bears spirit or God’s spirit, could be both at WBUMC! Young fans mob players for autographs and even a few pictures of them with Bear paws temporary-tattooed on their cheeks.
The city tried hosting a meeting to discuss the parks vote that night at Town Hall, just a block away, and only one person showed up. We can’t say that was because everyone else would rather party up the hill, but we can say who was having more fun.
The WBUMC tailgate for the Bears is a great tradition in this city, and we are grateful for all the resources the church puts into this event. May this wholesome party go on and on!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
