By  Randy Garrison Mayor of Hartselle

With the weather forecast for this weekend signaling cooler temperatures, the “fall feeling” might finally be arriving.

Many – myself included – have sweated through several high school and college football games so far this season. While football season is usually considered a cooler weather spectator sport, this has not been the case this fall.

Nonetheless, all weather forecasts call for highs in the 70s and lows in the upper 40s beginning Thursday and Friday. With these temperatures, it might actually feel like football weather. A jacket might even be needed. Funny how we seem to have just two seasons now – we usually skip most of spring and have a short fall as well.

In giving the weather forecast, one of the best things about football season – or one of my favorites – is tailgating.

Now, there is much more tailgating going on in Tuscaloosa and Auburn than at high school games, but the Morcohi-Hartselle High Alumni Association is going to change that – at least for one Friday night in October.

The group will host the annual Tiger Tailgate Oct. 19 from 5-7 p.m. This will be the Hartselle Tigers versus the Cullman Bearcats game.

This game is always one that brings out large crowds and is a local favorite as far as competition goes. Cullman is a big rivalry in football, baseball and basketball. The game is also one that brings about a lot of talk back and forth and excitement the week leading up to the kickoff.

The Alumni Association will make your tailgate experience very easy for this game. Cattlemen-style ribeye steak sandwiches will be on the menu, along with chips, drinks and desert. This will be available for only $10 per person. You will be able to stop by the tailgate, which will be located directly across from J.P. Cain Stadium, and enjoy a great meal before the game.

But, the meal is not the only reason to come by. Catch up with old friends, maybe some you have not seen in years, and support the Alumni Association in the process.

This is the largest fundraiser for the Alumni Association each year. Funds from this event enable the group to fund scholarships for Hartselle High seniors each year. Last year the group presented two $1,500 scholarships to qualifying seniors to help with college expenses.

The funds raised also enable the group to help in other areas within the school system. One of the largest projects the Alumni Association funded is the sign at Hartselle High School. The association raised more than $30,000 to fully fund this much-needed addition to the school.

You are invited to purchase tickets and come out on the evening of Oct. 19. Enjoy a great meal and fellowship with other Tiger fans. You do not have to be an MCHS or HHS graduate to attend the tailgate; all are welcome.

Tickets are available through the following folks: Tresa McGee at 256-476-3905, Randy Garrison at 256-227-2538, Lynn Garrison at 256-763-2238, Dana McCutcheon at 256-630-3357, Daphne Sittason at 256-466-3678 or Jennifer Sittason at 256-345-2168.

Your support is much appreciated. Help this group continue to support our Hartselle students and continue the proud tradition of Hartselle City Schools.