As the leaves start to change color, Michigan enters one of the most beloved Midwest seasons, football. Two rival teams, North and South, come together on one’s turf annually for the biggest game of the year, hosting a tailgate prior for both schools to attend and celebrate before the event. The festivities include food trucks, games, and informative stands that attract a large crowd from all over Grosse Pointe. Bringing together rivals of all different groups, including future students, staff, alumni and families, the tailgate encourages the fans to share their love for high school football.
Once 5 p.m. hit, families and friends started making their way to the field where all the activities were located. North and South fans gathered in front of North and united over their excitement for the game. It didn’t take long for North and South alumni, like Melissa Petz, the South Student Activity Director, and South alumni, to recognize old friends after a long time of not seeing one another.
“I loved seeing some friends that I haven’t seen in a long time,” Petz said. “So I think that it’s a great opportunity for alumni to come too. Even if they don’t make it to the game, I think it’s fun for them to see some old teachers and some principals and tailgate.”
Not only were past alumni brought together through this event, but also current students who share their hope for a home win. North students dressed in their black-out spirit wear to share their school pride, including North junior Olivia Sneed, enjoyed the tailgate with friends and felt the excitement in the air.
“They’ve been the best part of the year,” Sneed said. “The school spirit, that’s what I enjoy.”
As South students started arriving, it didn’t take long for them to become immersed in the fun of the tailgate as well, including sophomore Elizabeth Walsh. Sharing the positive energy between the rivaling teams, Walsh had similar excitement as the North students.
“I just like the spirit of being around all the people,” Walsh said. “I think that’s part of what makes it fun, that everybody is here.”
Although Sneed and Walsh attend separate schools, they both agree that spirit fully brought this tailgate together. This is not the first tailgate to occur, though. Many people at the recent tailgate had been before in previous years, some have even gone four or five times and keep coming back like Petz.
“I think it’s great, because every year it improves a little bit better, it builds up on the last one, and honestly I like the comradery and spirit between North and South,” Petz said. “I think that it’s fun seeing everyone supporting their favorite team and get along and harmonize, just making it more fun between the teams.”
With the harmony of the rival communities before an intense game, experiencing this tailgate leaves excitement for the next one to come for Petz. Though the tailgate tradition evolves year after year, the North vs South tradition of trading off who hosts the big game will always stay.
“I’m looking forward to next year,” Petz said. “I love that we can host it too over at South on the front lawn.”
