Welcome to this week’s edition of The Examiner’s “Tailgater of the Year” contest, where The Examiner selects the best tailgaters from college and professional football games in the Baltimore area.
This week, we were very impressed by Ken Harwood, a 1974 Naval Academy graduate, who invited wounded veterans from Walter Reed Medical Center to party with him before attending Navy’s homecoming game against Pittsburgh on Saturday.
THE TAILGATE
» This week’s winners: Ken Harwood of Hollywood, Md.
» Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium parking lot
» Setup: The tailgate featured a tent decorated with flags representing all branches of the armed services, along with one for prisoners of war and those missing in action.
» On the grille: Homemade Texas barbecue, sausages, hamburgers
» Best side dish: Crab dip made with crabs he caught near his home in St. Mary’s County.
» Attendance: About 15 wounded veterans from Walter Reed Medical Center were invited to party with about 15 of Harwood’s family and friends.
» Experience: Harwood, a 1974 Naval Academy graduate, along with his wife, Nancy, have invited veterans to a Navy football game in each of the past two years. Harwood said he tries to pick a big game for the trip, which includes hosting the soldiers at his home and taking them fishing.
“Being a Vietnam War-era veteran, I remember what it was like for those in the armed services to come home to a less-than-warm welcome,” Harwood said. “We wanted to make sure that never happens again.
Think you can top Harwood? Let us know where to find you when we attend the Ravens’ game against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium Sunday, If you think you can tailgate with the best of them, please e-mail: [email protected].
We’re not looking for a small grill with hot dogs and hamburgers on it. We’re looking for extravagant, like a portable sports bar with menu items you can’t get for a dollar at a fast food joint.
We have high expectations for you, football fans. Please, don’t let us down. Think you have what it takes? At the end of the season, each of the weekly winners will be posted on baltimoreexaminer.com and the one with the most votes gets bragging rights and a prize.
