tail·gate /'tālˌgāt/
Verb Informal/NORTH AMERICAN

1. host or attend a social gathering at which an informal meal is served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.
   "Lot 16E is reserved for alumni who wish to tailgate before the game."

Texas is synonymous with Football and Tailgating! Here at First Community Financial Group, in addition to insurance policies for auto and home, we also offer insurance policies for things you hitch to your vehicle like campers, boats or recreational vehicles. We know that in addition to being useful for towing things, your vehicle's tailgate can also be the location for a fantastic gathering of family and friends before a big game!

To help you plan, we've gathered some tips on how to throw a great tailgate party.
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• TicketsSeasoned tailgaters likely don't need the reminder, but if you're new to tailgating or are traveling to a new venue to see your team, make sure you have the proper game day ticket or tailgate ticket in addition to a parking pass for the designated tailgate area for the big game.
• Safety and first aid gearWhile there may be medical personnel stationed nearby for the game, bring your own first-aid kit, so you're prepared for any minor injuries or ailments. Make sure you also have a fire extinguisher.
• Generator and grill checkIf it's allowed at the venue and you plan on bringing a grill and/or a generator, it's a good idea to check both prior to your event to make sure they are in safe, working order. Also, make sure you have enough fuel for your grill and the generator so you can run them for as long as you'll need.
• Weather checkNobody wants to be soggy or cold, so check the weather leading up to game day and plan for the weather conditions, including any inclement weather. Think layers for warmth, raincoats, rain ponchos, suitable footwear for cold or wet conditions, gloves, hats, etc. Don't forget the sunscreen. And obviously, whatever you wear, be sure you're sporting your team colors!
• Chairs, tents and team swagOnce you know what the weather forecast is, you can plan what you'll need in terms of your tailgate party set up. Some people use their RV as their tailgate vehicle (make sure you check with the venue to see if RVs are allowed), some use their car, SUV, van or truck as the main gathering point. Whatever vehicle you use, you can easily position chairs, a portable table with your grill, coolers, and any other gear you may want like a canopy tent around the back of the vehicle. And don't forget to bring along your team's flag or other team paraphernalia so you can properly rep your team on game day!
• SnacksAccording to Foremost snack enthusiasts, this might be the most important element to a tailgate party! Think of foods that are easily prepared in advance and that travel well, like handheld and small-bite snacks that you and your guests can enjoy with minimal mess. If you're meeting friends or family at the game, you can organize and assign who will bring what snacks, so you have all your food and beverage bases covered. There are plenty of recipes to check out online - here's a round-up of over 50 tasty-looking tailgate recipes from the Food Network. Maybe you'll find a new recipe to try.
• EnjoyFinally, it's game day and all your planning will pay off. Once you arrive at the designated tailgate area and get set up, it's time to enjoy the festivities and the game.

Foremost® Insurance has policies for your motor home or travel trailer. If you're looking for for A Better Insurance Experience®, you can start a quote with us today!

​Is clutter overpowering your manufactured home? Here's a list of some things you can do to optimize the space you have.

Use bookshelves as dividers

You can divide one room into two without making structural changes by making use of a free-standing bookcase – and at the same time, gain added space not only for books but for utilitarian, decorative and collectible items. For example, a bedroom can be divided to retain the sleeping area on one side and a study on the other. Since most bookcases are meant to be placed against a wall, the backs may be unfinished. Solve the problem by coverage the back with panels of colorful fabric that coordinate with your room's décor.

Create a multi-purpose room

Even available 6 x 9 space can be converted into a combination office, hobby, sewing and ironing room. Set one side apart for the office, to include a desk built of 2x4s and Mylar-covered hard-board. You can store account books and business papers in stackable plastic vegetable bins above the desk and in a plastic storage box beneath the desk. Mylar-covered work surfaces are also used on the sewing/laundry side of the space, along with additional plastic storage drawers (using contrasting colors for opposite sides of the room) for fabrics, patterns and thread. Hang the ironing board from the wall hooks when not in use; poles can be positioned above the work surfaces from which to hang laundry.

Make use of screens

A folding floor-to-ceiling screen can serve both a decorative and a practical purpose. For example, a three-panel screen designed with picture frames can display family memories and conceal storage space.

Guest towel display

If having plenty of hand towels available for guests is a problem, here's an idea you may find useful. Roll up the towels like magazines and store them in a wine rack. It's a colorful way to display towels and they're always handy. Depending on the weight of the wine rack you choose, the rack can be hung from the wall, or simply set on the toilet tank.

Enjoying your memories

If you have a drawer or box filled with memorabilia, but never seem to get around to organizing it, here's a tip that will make the project fun. Put the items in a photograph album or scrap book. Whatever kind of book you use, make sure the pages are acid free so your memorabilia will be safe.
Not only will assembling the book be fun, but then you can share the scraps of family history with guests and friends!

Storage trunk

An antique trunk is a sure bet for great storage. Trunks are available at antique dealers and estate sales, sometimes quite reasonably priced. You might need to paint or refinish the trunk. If the inside needs attention, clean it and put adhesive-backed vinyl or wallpaper in as a liner. Add a couple of sachets, and you can store blankets, spare bedding for a fold-out sofa, off-season clothing or hobby and crafts materials. Depending on its size, the trunk can be used to hold a television, stereo components, plants, or even as a coffee table.
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