COLLEGE FOOTBALL – FLORIDA GATORS VS. GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Dubbed the “World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” the Florida-Georgia college football game is October 31, 2009. It's "Football Island" here the weekend of the notorious college rivalry. Falling on Halloween this year, there will be plenty of football and Halloween parties happening around Amelia Island.
A huge sporting event in the northeast Florida region, this big game brings many people to the area for the college football weekend each fall. The “First Coast” has its share of football fans (those rooting for Florida and Georgia as well). You can be sure that bars will be catering to fans on Amelia Island and elsewhere around the First Coast. Amelia Island Plantation hosts their annual Frat Bash football event on Friday, October 30, this year featuring the Swingin' Medallions. It's the place to be to eat some gator tail and enjoy the party band of the south.
As noted above, we've got both Dawg and Gator fans here. While Amelia Island is a FLORIDA barrier island, its close proximity to Georgia means loyalty to the Dawgs is fierce here. (Some even call Amelia Island "Georgia" with a Florida address.) The big game in Jacksonville's stadium brings Georgia Dawg fans in droves to Amelia Island (besides those who already reside here).
What this means for Amelia Island is pre-weekend crowds in the supermarkets stocking up on food, beverages, and ice for big game parties, barbecues, and tailgating celebrations. There will be noticeably more men grocery shopping than normal. The guys, especially out-of-towners visiting for a party weekend, shop for their football feasts and beer. Truly, it's one of the rare times around here you see a bunch of men shopping together. Since Halloween falls on the same day as the big game, grocers will be doubly busy catering to the needs for Halloween treats, too.
The annual rivalry between the Dawgs and Gators is Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Other events happening football weekend are:
-- Friday, October 30, 2009 (Happy Hour 5-8 pm) – Gator, Dawg Boardwalk Bash at Amelia Island Plantation (at The Spa & Shops, on the back porch of Marche Burette). $1 beer, live entertainment.
Friday night, October 30, 2009 (8 pm - midnight). Annual Georgia-Florida Frat Bash at Amelia Island Plantation, featuring the Swingin' Medallions. Held at Amelia Island Plantation's Grand Pavilion from 8pm-midnight, the "Bash" offers a venue to party and dance with “The Party Band of the South,” The Swingin’ Medallions. Open bar, sautéed gator tail, grilled chicken breast sandwiches, hot dogs and pasta salad. No one under 21 permitted. Tickets are $55/adult (if purchased up to 5pm the day of event) and $60/adult at the door. Not just for resort guests, the public is welcomed to attend. Call 904-491-4646.
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