Fall tailgating brings out all kinds of color

Welp, here I am on a Saturday sitting in the parking lot at the Oskaloosa football stadium parking lot with some new friends we met during our travels following the Statesmen around the Midwest.
My nephew Hayden is the long-snapper and we’ve created a cult around No. 49. He plays about 10 snaps a game and, every time he comes out, a bellow of Forty-NIIIIINE can be heard from the berms that surround the stadium turf.
I’m not sure there’s been a more perfect Saturday for tailgating, especially toward the end of October.
I specifically remember freezing last year about this time in some driving rain and cold wind off the north fields above the stadium. Nothing gets in the way of tailgating on Saturday with the Statesmen. For the past two years, we’ve catered to family and just about anyone else that meandered over to find out what all the noise is about.
One year, we even had a couple of livestreaming personalities come over to our tailgate spots and put us on the air. To be honest, it was just me that was put on the air. Then the guys hung around for a sandwich and a beverage.
We welcome everyone and that’s the true meaning behind tailgating. You all get your tailgates together, now with shade tents and tables and grills. We were tailgating at Benedictine, Kansas and those folks know how to do it right. Some guy borrowed a Cornhusker trailer that opened up into a full on entertainment system, with two swingout propane grills and a restroom. It was custom made. The 56” television was strategically recessed inside the trailer to keep the sky and sun from impeding the picture quality. They had about four tents, picnic tables, chairs, and everything. It was literally an outdoor food truck with a big screen and a bar. I was ferschnuckled and asked a bunch of questions. It was a $50,000 custom build and a $25,000 trailer, not including the truck.
We had, literally, a tailgate and a 20” tablet that wasn’t recessed but leaned up against a cooler. But my brother John’s sandwiches and scotcharoos are good enough for Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, so we’re good.
I experienced the Randolph-Deery Complex north of Kinnick Stadium a few years back. I also experienced the camper ride up with a group of golfing buddies. I also experienced falling asleep in the bed of the camper on the way back. Some argued I wasn’t technically sleeping, but I know my truth.

The fall is usually my favorite time of the year. I love a cold beer in a hoodie and shorts, hanging out with the family on Saturday with the sun shining, food on a table, and good conversation.  Typically, I’m excited about the red maples turning in the front yard, but this year it seems it’s a late cool and the colors are dragging a  bit.
But we’ll get there.
Fort Madison is no slouch on autumn beauty. A look back from the Riverfront walk up the bluff when the trees are touching dormancy is something for artwork. That should be something commissioned. The look west down Avenue E also sports a myriad of warm colors as trees prepare to dump leaves. And there’s nothing better than a breeze from the south carrying the smell of the season in October warming up our streets and brick homes.
It’s a season for senses and well worth earning a restful Sunday to sit on the back patio and take it all in.
Getting the smoker out and enjoying the sounds and smells of Fort Madison really is one of my favorite things. Even with the sounds of heavy vehicles running up and down Avenue E.
One noise we will all now miss, is the rumble of a Harley Davidson driven by Ian Eaves, who tragically died Friday morning in a horrible accident on the west side of town.  Ian worked with me at KFC/Taco Bell for about two years. This was the guy that would stop and help anyone with anything. Wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and was an advocate for the rights of everyone. He will be missed greatly. Not everyone with impact jumps to the front of the line. Ian was one of those guys that really told you who he was through his actions. Too sad, Too young. God Speed, young man.
Cara invited people to the house to share stories in the garage, where Ian loved to hang. A wonderful gesture that personified who he was. He’s another loss to a community that really has had enough – But that’s Beside the Point.
Chuck Vandenberg is editor and co-owner of Pen City Current and can be reached at Charles.V@PenCityCurrent.com.