The biggest community event of the fall is back! Hamilton Community Schools invites students, families, staff, alumni and community members to the sixth annual Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate on Friday, September 18, from 4:30–7:00 PM at Hamilton Middle School and Cultivate Community Church.
This year’s event has been extended by 30 minutes, giving families even more time to enjoy an evening filled with free food, activities, entertainment and Hawkeye pride before the Hamilton varsity football team hosts Spring Lake at 7:00 PM.
Admission to the tailgate, food and all activities are completely free. Attractions will include:
Mini golf
Laser tag
Petting zoo
Rock climbing walls and bounce jump
Dunk tank
Face painting and henna tattoos
Balloon twisters and a fire performer
A special area for children ages 0–4
Activity and nonprofit tables
Fire trucks, an Allegan County SWAT vehicle and other emergency vehicles
Live music from Boys Gone Mild
Performances by Hamilton vocal music students
A special march and performance by the Hamilton High School Marching Band
Free food will include pulled pork, hot dogs, chips, watermelon and water. Guests can also enjoy Knot Spot Pretzels and treats from the ice cream trucks.
Restrooms will be available inside the Hamilton Middle School west gym and Cultivate Community Church. Portable restrooms will also be on-site.
Parking Instructions
Parking is available via the Hamilton High School entrance from the west and via the M-40 drive near the transportation/operations building to the east/north. Attendees will NOT be able to get beyond the Sheriff's Office to park.
Important Road Closure
To ensure safety of everyone attending the event, 136th Avenue will be closed between 48th Street from the east and Hamilton High School's main entrance from the west from 4:15–7:00 PM. The closure will be managed by the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office with approval from the Allegan County Road Commission. Residents that live within the closure CAN access their homes from the closest area to their house, without crossing the event. For instance, Greenfield Estates would access from the east (closest to M-40) where the Sheriff's Office will let you through the closure. Any other traffic that comes through the area will be re-routed via 48th Street or the Hamilton High School parking area and out to our M-40 exit.
Drivers should expect additional traffic in the area and allow extra time to arrive and park.
Friday Night Football
Following the tailgate, the Hamilton Hawkeyes will take on Spring Lake in varsity football action at 7:00 PM. Please note that regular admission prices apply for the football game.
Thanks To...
The Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate would not be possible without the tremendous partnership of Cultivate Community Church. Its staff and volunteers play an important role in planning, hosting and helping the event run smoothly for thousands of guests each year.
The Hamilton Community Schools maintenance, operations, and custodial teams do so much to support the event and ensure everything is setup, clean, and tore down properly. Thank you!
The event is also made possible through the generous support of local businesses and community partners. This year, we had a record number of sponsors and donations, thank you to all of these outstanding businesses!
Mark your calendars for Friday, September 18, and join us for one of Hamilton’s largest and most exciting community traditions!