Hamilton Middle School and Cultivate Community Church were buzzing with excitement on Friday as over 2,000 students, parents, and community members gathered for the Fourth Annual Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate. This beloved event has grown into a highlight of the fall season, bringing together families and friends for an unforgettable evening of fun, entertainment, and school spirit.

The event is funded by dozens of community sponsors, which allow for dozens of free family activities as well as free food. Attendees of all ages enjoyed scaling the rock wall, visiting animals at the petting zoo, getting creative with face painting and henna tattoos, and navigating the 18-hole mini golf course, and even had a chance to sit in the Allegan County SWAT team vehicle. Street performers entertained the crowd, while performances from Hamilton’s vocal music and band programs provided a lively soundtrack to the festivities.

In addition to the wide variety of activities, the tailgate celebrated the heart of the community spirit at Hamilton. The event was a true testament to the dedication of Cultivate Community Church, Hamilton Middle School, and the many volunteers who helped make it a success.

The day culminated with the Hawkeye football team taking on Wayland, continuing the momentum of the celebration on the field. The team did not disappoint, delivering an impressive 35-0 victory to improve their record to 3-1 on the season. The win was the perfect capstone to a day filled with school pride.