Yearly tailgate brings community together for food
Fun while showcasing local student groups
Coppell High School administrators and their families enjoy Dickey’s barbecue on Friday in the CHS Field House at the annual Coppell ISD Annual Community Tailgate. The tailgate was prior to Coppell’s 43-35 victory over Hebron at Buddy Echols Field.
October 23, 2022
As the smell of barbecue fills the air and children run about to play games and eat, the community of Coppell comes together to celebrate the Coppell Football Team with a tailgate.
While the Coppell ISD Annual Community Tailgate itself is something that Coppell has been doing for many years, it has always been something special. It started off as something that was small and has grown into a large community event.
“We’ve had this for several years, but it’s really blown up into something pretty cool and special,” CISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt said. “To have so many people come back and so many alumni, it’s just great.”
The Tailgate celebrates more than just the game of football. It allows for the recognition of former students and sponsors, and for elementary schools, to come out and show their spirit.
And while doing all of this, it still brings Coppell together meaningfully.
“It’s a real opportunity to bring the community of Coppell together,” Hunt said. “It’s one of those things where it makes Coppell seem like a small town even though it’s not, and I think everyone loves a good tailgate.”
While playing games and having fun is a good part of tailgating, something that is essential to have is food. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit catered for the event.
“We’re fortunate to have Dickey’s barbecue as one of our sponsors,” Hunt said. “They provide various options. We have the brisket, the turkey, and also a vegetarian option which is good, it’s something that appeals to everyone. A lot of little kids, but also middle and high school kids.”
The tailgate is also an opportunity for other sponsors, such as Bailey Orthodontics, in Coppell to come down and show their businesses, and connect with the community.
“We get lots of exposure, having friendly conversations with the people here,” Bailey Orthodontics dental assistant Nicole Alonzo said. “They get a feel for how we run our business. Our patients first, and that’s all that matters. We’re here to serve our community, and that’s what we like to do.”
Not only is Bailey Orthodontics connecting with Coppell, but is also connecting with its patients at the tailgate.
“We love seeing old and former patients, making previous connections that we’ve already had,” Bailey Orthodontics dental Assistant Clarita Martinez said.
The audience at the tailgate were kids from CISD elementary schools, as well as parents.
There are many games to play and the recent addition of a bounce house obstacle course. This included a cheer performance and a marimba performance from Austin Elementary. The bright energy and enthusiasm bring even more excitement into the tailgate.
“It’s great coming together as a community, and supporting our kids,” parent Krystina Britt said. “We came for my daughter‘s performance, and figured the tailgate would be a great opportunity to sit down, eat and have fun with family and friends.”
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