Celebrating before the game is as much a part of many sporting events as the sport itself. Part camping, part keg party, tailgating is a way to get the most out of an already fun time. Ask anyone who’s been to a Patriot’s game, a NASCAR race, Maineiac’s game or even a high school football game, the experience isn’t complete without a proper tailgate before game time.

Aspects of the tailgate experience can be traced back to the days of Caesar when, the night before a battle, a celebration complete with excessive indulgence was held. Exactly how does one wage an effective battle with a monster hangover? During the Civil War, at the 1861 Battle of Bull Run, people are said to have gathered with food nearby, shouting their support for the Union at the beginning of the battle. One word comes to mind at the thought of tailgating near a battlefield: insane.

But it was on Nov. 6, 1869, at the  Princeton-Rutger college football game, however, that what is most widely recognized as the first modern tailgate transpired. Just another reason to love football.

Bill and Mara Duncan of Sabattus are serious tailgaters. Seasoned campers, the two pull out all the stops for a tailgate party, lugging two extra large camp stoves fitted with griddle tops big enough to cook pounds of peppers, onions and sausages for sausage subs. Their minivan is packed tight with all the creature comforts a tailgate should have: chairs, folding tables, coolers and other essentials.

“This was a group effort,” Mara said, referring to their first Maineiacs tailgate of the season on Sept. 19. “We brought sausage and another couple brought sausage, and someone else had all the vegetables cut up and ready to go. Everyone brings something to contribute, and we have burgers and dogs in case we run out of something.”

The group of tailgaters that gathered in one corner of the Colisee’s parking lot before the game included roughly 10 people, adults and children, as well as a couple of Newfoundlands. The Duncans also had a large pot of chili with shredded and ground beef that Mara put together that morning — classic sports fare, not to mention perfect for cooler weather.

Fall just isn’t complete without something apple flavored, so Mara also brought a gallon of premade apple pie shots. Unbelievably delicious, by the way. After trying the drink on a camping trip, the couple couldn’t find it in stores. Mara found it online, but wasn’t willing to pay $26 for a pint of it. So she found a recipe and now makes it herself.

For good measure someone in the Duncan’s group brought along pineapple slices soaked in vodka — just in case apple pie shots weren’t someone’s thing. Sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the food, company and fall sunshine is what this group says it’s all about.

The tailgating experience can vary, depending on the venue. For instance, fans at a football or hockey game may spend a few hours tailgating, while NASCAR followers at a weekend Loudin event may tailgate on and off for days. Regardless, it’s the same general theme: eating, drinking and socializing in the parking lot.

Mike Morin, of Lewiston, who’s son Dylan, 13, plays football for Lewiston Middle School, says he has really gotten into tailgating since his first experience at a Jimmy Buffet concert a few years ago.

“It was absolutely amazing,” said Morin, owner of the Jeweler’s Bench in Lewiston. “I’d never seen anything like it.”

The serious tailgaters go all out with must-haves like Margaritaville grills and battery- or gas-powered drink blenders, Slik Vik cast iron griddles made right here in Lewiston, generators and propane tanks complete with stands. If you’re fortunate enough, someone might even have ice sculptures that double as shot dispensers, like the ones Morin came across during one Jimmy Buffet tailgate.

“You can tailgate for anything,” said Morin.

And it would appear that you can tailgate any time of the year, as proved by many hockey and football fans in the Northeast. When Eric Potvin of Lewiston was still in college, he would drive up from Boston for the Thanksgiving holiday and the tailgate party at the annual day-after-Thanksgiving game. Tailgating goes on throughout the hockey season for some. The bonus? The snowbanks double as refrigeration for food and libation.

“I don’t mind tailgating in January, but most people don’t want to do that,” said Potvin.

While hamburgers, hot dogs and beer are the staples of any tailgating event, stir-frys, deep-fried turkeys, beer butt chicken, bratwurst and sausages are welcomed additions. As are frozen concoctions, thanks to blenders that run on gas, rechargeable batteries, the occasional weed wacker and even, as Potvin recently saw, a chain saw jury-rigged to the blender.

“Someone held the top of the blender, and every time they revved the (chain saw) engine, the blender blades would turn,” said Potvin. “It was crazy.”

A three-hour game or concert becomes an all-day event thanks to tailgating, and for many people it’s a tradition. Tailgates provide an opportunity for fans to talk, debate and commiserate about their teams and, in general, socialize.

“Once the game starts there’s only so much talking you can do,” said Potvin. “The earlier you get there, the more you can relax.”

Make the most of your tailgate and prepare. Check the weather forecast ahead of time. Weather is definitely a factor worthy of consideration. The temperatures, chance of snow or rain and even overexposure to the sun are all conditions that can hurt the tailgate experience. Wind is often overlooked, but it can be a major factor when it comes to cooking. Take steps to ensure the weather doesn’t ruin the festivities.

Tailgating dos and don’ts

• Do bring a first aid kit (no joke).
• Do make sure you stock up on ice.
• Do pack water and non-alcohol beverages to stay hydrated.
• Do bring something to identify your tailgating party so it is easier to find.
• Do bring cash for parking.
• Do leave home early enough to set up and enjoy the party.
• Do bring hand sanitizer.
• Do bring games and activities, particularly team oriented.
• Do have a check list for returning home.
• Don’t overlook safety precautions: There is a reason a grill is used outside your house, and that means outside your vehicle as well.
• Don’t leave your food cooking unattended.
• Don’t forget to dispose of hot coals properly, i.e. NOT under your car.
• Don’t bring glass containers.
• Don’t over-consume alcohol.
• Don’t leave trash behind.

Matt Madden of Lewiston throws a few shrimp on the barbeque in the parking lot of the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston last month during the Lewiston Maineiac’s home opening weekend. In the background is his wife Melissa, right and their friend Jonnie Clark of Lewiston sharing a warm blanket having their own tailgate party.

Variety is the spice of life in the tailgate scene. Some go with the straight hamburgs and hot dogs with no frills, while others combine color and flavor, like this mixture of peppers, mushrooms, onions and spices.

While many of the moms and dads are cooking and conversing, their kids and friends find ways to amuse themselves while waiting for a recent Maineiacs game to start.

Nothing says a tailgate party like a good game of tailgate toss, more commonly known as “cornhole.”

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