World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

Nov 03

This past weekend was the annual football war between the University of Florida “Gators” and the University of Georgia “Bulldogs”, and is commonly billed as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”! It’s always held at the neutral site of Jacksonville, Florida, where the original “Gator Bowl” stadium used to be.

The wonderful thing about this game is that, for the entire week preceding the game (held on Saturday), the entire city is “a-buzz” with game fever and colored either red and black (for the Bulldogs) or blue and orange (for the Gators). The other fantastic thing about this game is that, since it’s a neutral site for both schools, 50% of the tickets go to Georgia and 50% go to Florida! In essence, the stadium is split right down the middle for the fans!

One other special treat that I always treasure is that I have some dear friends who own a restaurant and have the unique fortune of living on the “St. Johns River” that runs through the middle of Jacksonville and directly beside the stadium. So, we load up their 40 foot, 1934 “Chris-Craft” cruiser with copious amounts of food, ice, adult beverages, and a flat-screen TV, and head out to the game. As Mack, the owner describes it, we don’t just go to the game, we “proceed” to the game!

About 90 minutes later, we arrive at the “Gator Bowl” with a 100 other yachts, all vying for a berth! Then the fun begins as everyone “rafts” up next to each other, and then climbs from one boat to the next until they reach shore, where they then head off to the stadium. Of course, there are certain “protocols” to be followed, too. For instance, everyone coming on board your, headed to the shore, can get a drink, some ice, some mixer, or – if wearing the right school colors, and big hug!

After the game, it’s just the reverse procedure, only a little slower as most everyone has “killed a few brain-cells” during the game. And, of course, if your team wins, this wonderful tradition and day is even more special!

GO GATORS!!!

Sandy