10/20/2003

Taste of Alabama and Fall Roundup Planned for Nov. 1

AUBURN, Ala. — The 24th annual Taste of Alabama Agriculture and Fall Roundup — a colossal tailgate party featuring everything from fried soybeans and Alabama-grown kiwifruit to Cajun catfish and goat meat sausage — awaits Auburn fans who will be in the Loveliest Village Saturday, Nov. 1, for Auburn University’s Homecoming 2003.

The giant tailgating bash will kick off at 9 a.m. at Ag Heritage Park, located on Samford Avenue two blocks from Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Taste and Roundup will spotlight a bountiful array of both traditional and exotic food items that are either grown or processed in Alabama. In addition to those already mentioned, expected delicacies will include sweet potatoes, chicken, pork, beef, lamb, satsuma oranges, pecans, peanuts and more.

Food won’t be the only attraction of the Taste and Roundup, however. The event also will feature entertainment by a bluegrass band composed of agricultural faculty and friends; visits from such special guests as Aubie (AU’s official mascot), the AU Pep Band and the AU cheerleaders; exhibits from academic departments, student organizations and commodity and agribusiness groups; a petting zoo and pumpkin painting for children; and an auction that will give Roundup tailgaters the chance to bid on vacations, hunting and fishing trips, toys and much more. All auction proceeds go to the Ag Alumni Association Fall Roundup Scholarship Fund.

"This year's Roundup and Taste of Alabama Agriculture will feature more agricultural commodities and organizations than ever before,” said Martha Patterson, chairperson of the event. “We have invited many more participants to bring along their foods, products and exhibits, which we hope will truly represent the broad spectrum of Alabama’s agricultural sector."

The event also will offer AU friends and alumni a chance to see the exciting progress being made on AU’s Ag Heritage Park, said Robert Hensarling, park director. Ag Heritage Park, located at the site of AU’s Old Red Barn on Samford Avenue near the intersection of Samford and Donohue, celebrates the past, present and future of agriculture in the state. It also serves as a tribute to Alabama's farmers and agriculture's impact on the state and is a gathering place for College of Agriculture students, faculty, alumni and friends throughout the year.

The public is invited to attend Roundup and Taste of Alabama festivities, which each year draw more than 1,500 tailgaters who come to enjoy the food, fellowship and fun. Admission is $5 for the general public and free for active Ag Alumni Association members and for children 6 years of age.

Ag Roundup will wind down at noon, one hour before kickoff of AU’s homecoming game against Louisiana-Monroe.

For more information, contact Patterson at 334 844 3595 (patterms@auburn.edu) or Hensarling at 334-844-3596 (hensara@auburn.edu).

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu

10/20/03

For immediate release