Amelia Island's "Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off" Kicks Off Florida-Georgia Football Weekend
AMELIA ISLAND (October 7, 2009) – The annual clash between the football powerhouses of the University of Florida and University of Georgia is renowned for its exciting play, rabid fans and extraordinary tailgate parties. This year, Gator fans and Bulldog fans are invited to start the festivities off right at the first-ever Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off, October 30-31, on Amelia Island. The island’s historic downtown Fernandina Beach will run blue-and-orange and black-and-red, as fans of both teams cheer on their favorite gridiron grillers and sideline chefs. Located just 45 minutes from downtown Jacksonville and Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Amelia Island is offering accommodation options and some other great game-weekend events for ferocious fans – or those who want to avoid them.
On Friday, October 31, contestants can begin cooking and preparing their tailgate specialties for the competition and award ceremony, which will take place on Saturday, October 31. The Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, the world's largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts.
“No one earns the right to be called the ‘World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party’ without knowing how to make some outstanding food,” said Gil Langley, president of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. “And no one takes their football food more seriously than this crowd.”
On October 30, visitors can start the celebration with a Pre-Party at The Spa & Shops at Amelia Island Plantation. From noon to 5 p.m., there will be complimentary beer, wine and Island Oasis frozen drinks, followed by the Dawg/Gator Boardwalk Bash at 5 p.m., featuring dollar beers, live entertainment and much more. Beginning at 8 p.m., the “Frat Bash” kicks into full gear at the Grand Pavilion, where Gators and Bulldogs alike can dance and party to the sounds of The Swingin’ Medallions, the “Party Band of the South”, while enjoying an open bar and traditional tailgate favorites. Fans that can’t score tickets to the big game can stop by Eight at The Ritz-Carlton, or one of several other popular sports bars on the island, to watch the live broadcast of the action. For further information about the events on Amelia Island, visitors can check out the Calendar of Events at www.ameliaisland.com.
Some island accommodators have already sold out for this much-anticipated college football rivalry, but several still have availability this Halloween weekend and encourage visitors to make hotel reservations soon. For an up-to-date list of available rooms*, please visit www.ameliaisland.com/gators or www.ameliaisland.com/bulldogs.
About Amelia Island
Offering an irresistible mix of quiet beaches, natural beauty, championship golf, and unique history, Amelia is unlike any other Florida destination. The island is also home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries. For additional information, call toll-free 1-800-226-3542 or visit www.ameliaisland.com.
*All accommodation stays are based on availability, include restrictions, minimum stay requirements and prices vary. Please contact the individual hotels for further details on their availability and restrictions.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitor’s Bureau-
MEDIA INFO:
Katharina Brierton Lane
Hayworth Creative Public Relations
(386) 677-7000
katharina@hayworthcreative.com