The last weekend in October, the stadium that usually holds thousands of Jacksonville Jaguars fans transforms into a sea of black, red, orange and blue for the annual college football match up of the Florida Gators vs. the Georgia Bulldogs. This storied rivalry is known as “The World’s Largest Cocktail Party.” Only four times in 92 years of the Florida/Georgia (or Georgia/Florida game–if you are a Bulldog fan) has this game been played on Halloween. In 2015, it will mark the 5th time the game shares the day with every little ghoul’s favorite holiday.
Therein lies the question: To FL/GA or Not?
For me, the answer is easy–YES. But I must say, this is not the answer for everyone. You see, my “day job” is an Event Coordinator at a country club, so almost every weekend of my life is spent working. It is well known to my employer that the final Saturday in October, you will find Jessica at Everbank field wearing something obnoxiously orange. My mother-in-law is in town so we already have a sitter. The thought of giving up my beloved FL/GA game to sit home and wait for trick or treaters is not an option. I look forward to this game all year. I know I can do both, and you can too! I took notes on what worked in 2009 (when I had only one child and she was 16 months old) and asked my fellow Jax Mom Blog moms for their advice, and here’s how to make it work!
1. Have candy, costumes, dinner, etc. planned the day (or days) before.
October 31st is not the day to “wing it.” All costumes will need to have their final touches and fittings done by Friday. Duval County public school students have Friday off for a Teacher’s Planning day, so there is no excuse not to have everything in place by Saturday. Candy should be bowled up and ready to go. Pizza delivery should be pre-scheduled from the app on your phone days in advance (if you are having pizza). No time to shop for candy? Order it on Amazon and have it here by Friday. Their prices are just as competitive as local stores (though it is hard to beat a BOGO at Publix!)
2. You are not going to find a babysitter this late in the game.
Sorry, you just aren’t. This is the biggest game in Jacksonville. It isn’t called the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” for nothing. Unless you have a grandparent that owes you a favor, I would give up trolling the babysitting sites for 10/31.
3. Plan on leaving the game early.
I know–this is like nails on a chalkboard to me, especially since the Gators are favored to win. But realistically, if you don’t leave early, chances are you will be stuck in traffic until well after 7:30pm. Cheryl, who attended the game in 2009 and brought her 13 month old along, recalls their being many tailgaters at the stadium with candy so kids there could trick or treat. She recommends staying until half time and just visiting a few houses on the way home. Sunset Saturday is scheduled for 6:39pm, so I am going to leave the stadium in enough time to be home by 7pm. It will be twilight by then, and I’m sure the trick-or-treating will just be starting.
4. Don’t overdo it at the game.
I know, I know–we are all adults here and can handle a few drinks. But let’s be realistic. Who wants to over drink then go trick or treating? Not me! Make sure you have a few small meals throughout the day and have a designated driver home. Pace yourself and drink water in between alcoholic beverages. You will thank me in the morning. Speaking of morning….
5. Happy Daylight Savings time!
That’s right! We gain an extra hour of sleep Saturday night! Could this be more perfect?! I can’t think of a weekend that deserves an extra hour in bed more than Halloween FL/GA. Score!
Are you going to the game? Do you have any tips for parents trying to do both?
We would love to see your pics from the game and tailgating! Use the hashtag #JMBgogators or #JMBgodawgs!
Helpful link:
Florida/Georgia Weekend Events
