The rains from Tropical Storm Hanna fell outside, but the College’s revelers were dry beneath the arena’s distinctive roof. There alumni and friends gathered for a barbecue and fried fish feast, arcade games, departmental displays and the Memory Lane archive table.

The band Sassafras performed Bluegrass favorites, before Dean Jim Oblinger came on stage to introduce newly named Honorary Alumni Ruby McSwain and Joe and Ginger Taylor, as well as the 2002 College Distinguished Alumni Lois Britt and Dr. Mike Luther.

Tailgaters had opportunities to purchase a personalized brick in the Walkway of Champions, buy Agronomy Club T-shirts, have faces painted, play a Food for Thought! toss game and visit with faculty members at exhibits to learn the latest about research, teaching and extension programs from the College’s 22 departments.

Then it was just a shuttle ride across to Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Wolfpack defeated the Demon Deacons from Wake Forest 32-13.

—Terri Leith

Scenes from Tailgate 2002

Historic Dorton Arena at the North Carolina State
Fairgrounds was the setting for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 2002 Tailgate celebration. The annual food, fun and football event was part of a Weekend of Champions hosted by the College’s Alumni and Friends Society.