Port Party Central or Wandering Toes?

Tiki Bar · Post by **Tiki Bar** » April 7, 2004 11:25 pm

What is everyone's style of tailgating and getting the most out of your parking lot festivities? Please share your secrets and tips.

Do you construct an eleborate tailgate setup, bring boatloads of food and beverages, and the new people you meet are all passersby? Do you think of it as a competition, do you like to turn a few heads, or is it all for fun and your personal enjoyment?

Or do you bring a modest setup with all of the essentials, but allow plenty of flexibility and time to visit everyone else's sites as well? Quick setup and takedown are key.

Or do you pack light and portable, and spend the entire day out mingling?

I find it can be a dilemma trying to fully experience everyone's creativity in the short amount of time the lots are open, especially by the time you unpack, unwind, set up, and eat something to absorb the alcohol!

bananaman · Post by **bananaman** » April 8, 2004 2:14 pm

I'm definitely a "modest" setup kinda guy. I drive my pickup to the show and I don't want anything stolen out of my truck while I'm enjoying the show so I have to shove everything in the cab or my toolbox where I can lock it up. I also like to wander around the lot to see-and enjoy-other peoples setups.

Blonde Stranger · Post by **Blonde Stranger** » April 8, 2004 3:42 pm

A little from Column A, a little from Column B. I was part of a bus trip last year and will be again this year and the emphasis is more on food/beverages than decorating. When I was going with a caravan of people and cars, the emphasis was more on decorating. It was fun, but a lot of work. My favorite part is touring the lot though, just have to remember to bring along enough road beers.

IAParrothead · Post by **IAParrothead** » April 8, 2004 4:39 pm

The great thing about it is that there is no right or wrong thing to do. We pack and bring alot of food, beer, margaritas etc as well as inflatable couches and camp chairs. I come with a group of 10-15 people and we bring extra of everything to share with passers-by. We spend about half of the tailgate hanging around our own cars and the other half wandering around meeting other parrotheads and checking out some of the more elaborate set-ups. The key (especially at Alpine) is to be able to get everything put away so we can head the gates 45-60 minutes before showtime. Anything later than that and the lines get so long you'll miss the first few songs.

Also, don't set up anything that you won't be able to dissassemble while plastered.

Hope to see you there, I'll be the one wearing the brightly colored flowered shirt and grass skirt!

PA PAR8 HED · Post by **PA PAR8 HED** » April 8, 2004 5:00 pm

We've done everything from a few cars pulling in together to a bus to a U-Haul truck. My favorite part is offering food or drink to passers-by. Share the fun. I always bring extra food, booze and toys to pass around.

Cribiansol · Post by **Cribiansol** » April 9, 2004 12:01 am

We usually wander. I love looking at everything.

phjrsaunt · Post by **phjrsaunt** » April 9, 2004 8:22 am

Definitely NOT a "Port Part Central" set up, but a little short of the "Wandering Toes" version. I load up the truck w/ coolers, snacks, lots of appropriate decorations, lawn chairs, some of the camping gear and the FIN for the top of the truck. When we get there, I decorate the truck (some years more elaborate than others), set up the "picnic" area, insert Buffett cd, and sit and chill. Then go walk the lot to see and be seen......life is good.

I usually keep it on the simple side so that it's easy to pack everything up when it's time to go into see Mr. Buffett.

Evil Dave · Post by **Evil Dave** » April 9, 2004 9:19 am

In recent years, our tailgate has gotten bigger, which isn't a bad thing. Buses, tents, homemade bars, ice luges. But even with all that, there's still time to wander and see what everyone else has thought of and put that on the list for next year.

NYCPORT · Post by **NYCPORT** » April 9, 2004 9:38 am

RV's, tents, bars, plumbing, etc. You name it we got it! The bigger the better.

kitty · Post by **kitty** » April 9, 2004 9:48 am

NYCPORT wrote: The bigger the better.

I agree!

phjrsaunt · Post by **phjrsaunt** » April 9, 2004 10:02 am

NYCPORT wrote:RV's, tents, bars, plumbing, etc. You name it we got it! The bigger the better.

That's why Tiki Bar named a whole STYLE of tailgating after you!
PORT PARTY CENTRAL!

kitty · Post by **kitty** » April 9, 2004 10:11 am

phjrsaunt wrote:
NYCPORT wrote:RV's, tents, bars, plumbing, etc. You name it we got it! The bigger the better.
That's why Tiki Bar named a whole STYLE of tailgating after you!
PORT PARTY CENTRAL!

OMG auntie...don't you think his head is big enough????

phjrsaunt · Post by **phjrsaunt** » April 9, 2004 10:33 am

kitty wrote:
phjrsaunt wrote:
NYCPORT wrote:RV's, tents, bars, plumbing, etc. You name it we got it! The bigger the better.
That's why Tiki Bar named a whole STYLE of tailgating after you!
PORT PARTY CENTRAL!
OMG auntie...don't you think his head is big enough????

Good point there, Miss Kitty! Maybe he'll be too busy making reservations for a rental tour bus that sleeps forty and transforms into a concert stage to figure it out!

Tiki Bar · Post by **Tiki Bar** » April 9, 2004 11:34 am

phjrsaunt wrote:
NYCPORT wrote:RV's, tents, bars, plumbing, etc. You name it we got it! The bigger the better.
That's why Tiki Bar named a whole STYLE of tailgating after you!
PORT PARTY CENTRAL!

I actually thought about him when I threw it out there, but didn't realize the connection!!!

I think NYCPORT should make up a sign that says that, if he doesn't have one already!

NYCPORT · Post by **NYCPORT** » April 9, 2004 2:47 pm

Dificult totype wit jiant head in da way...

kurt · Post by **kurt** » April 9, 2004 2:57 pm

This year at Charlotte (for those not going until later, don't read next line)14 days and a wake up!!

Anyway, we will be 'High speed, low drag'. I really want to wander more this year for two reasons: 1. I want to meet you guys and gals and 2. There is a live band playing across the street from the Coliseum (at Jock and Jills).

Covering more territory in 2004!!!

Tiki Bar · Post by **Tiki Bar** » April 9, 2004 2:58 pm

How about:

Port Paradise Party Central !!!

Let me know if I can be of additional assistance!