The Hamilton community came together once again on Friday evening for the fifth annual Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate, an event that has quickly become a beloved tradition celebrating connection, school spirit, and local support.
The Tailgate has been months in the making. Sarah Boeve of Cultivate Church, who has been part of the planning committee, is one of six volunteers worked for eight months to bring the event to life. “It’s a lot of work put into this, but it is so worth it,” she said. “The community comes out, spends the night together, enjoys fun activities, and celebrates each other. That’s what it’s all about.”
Local businesses once again played a major role in making the evening possible. Ryan VanderWal, General Manager of Diamond Springs Golf Course and Miller Creek Tavern donated thousands of dollars’ worth of food, including smoked meats, mac and cheese, and hot dogs. “We just love supporting the school and the community,” VanderWal said. “Whether it’s a football pig roast, the hometown tailgate, or donating carts to programs, it’s something we’re proud to do.”
Kaycie Cooper, owner of The Homestead Tee in Hamilton, also stepped in with her creative talents, designing and providing nearly 1,300 event t-shirts. Her and her team were instrumental in helping make sure the evening was both memorable and fun.
Boys Gone Mild played live music along with performances from our vocal music students, and marching band.
The 2025 Tailgate also marked a record number of community sponsors, whose support ensures that the event remains free for everyone to attend. In addition to the Tailgate, sponsorships help fund the wider “Hometown Series,” a collection of community events designed to bring Hamilton residents together.
