Large-scale pep rally planned downtown

The event is scheduled to include a tailgate rally, activities and games, food, beverages, a parade called ‘March to Victory’ and a huge pep rally with performances and introductions of the various football teams, including the youth and middle school teams.

The tailgate party is designed to generate enthusiasm one week before the season opener. The Pioneers begin the season at home against DeKalb County on Aug. 24. That is followed by two more home games against Shelbyville and Franklin County.

Jay Walker, the voice of Pioneer football, will read the team introductions with individual player intros as well as comments from the head coach.

Bring a lawn chair and listen the live band D’boyz, a 1960s, ’70s and ’80s classic rock and roll band that opened the 2007 Main Street Live season.

The WCHS band, cheerleaders, Pioneerettes and all the associated booster clubs, PTO and other supporters are involved in the event to support the effort. The event will also help the fundraising efforts of the many organizations at the high school.

If you are interested in becoming a tailgate participant, the WCHS cheerleaders are selling spaces for $15 each. Please contact Tammy Smartt 212-4785 to reserve your spot.

There will be hundreds of dollars in prizes given away for the best color and spirit, best use of food in the tailgate entries, best overall tailgate, and a people’s choice award. Also, if you are interested in becoming a food or merchandise vendor, please contact the Main Street McMinnville office at 506-5335. Vending booths are $40.

Scott Moore, Promotions Committee chairman for Main Street McMinnville, says, ‘This event has been well received by everyone involved. Come out and help us show Warren County High School that the community supports them.’

Tentative schedule

‘ 4 p.m. ‘ Tailgaters on South Court Square can begin set-up. Tailgaters may enter from Depot Street on the south end. Vendors may begin set-up.

‘ 5 p.m. ‘ Main Street and Court Square closed to all traffic from Morford to Colville and North Chancery to Spring Street. Tailgaters enter from Morford and West Court Square.

5:45 p.m. ‘ All tailgaters and vendors in place at set-up.

‘ 6 p.m. ‘ Event begins.

Live band D’boyz begins on Courthouse stage

Games and activities begin

Tailgate judging begins

Vendors open

‘ 6:45 p.m. ‘ Line up for March to Victory

‘ 7 p.m. ‘ March To Victory (starts at Spring Street and culminates at the courthouse in front of the stage

‘ 7:15 p.m. ‘ Pep rally begins

‘ 7:45 p.m. ‘ Introduction of teams and players

‘ 8 p.m. ‘ D’boyz continues to play till 10 p.m.

Tailgating continues ‘ Enter the People’s Choice Award for your favorite tailgate. Vendors open. Activities and games continue

‘ 10 p.m. ‘ Event ends. All vendors and tailgaters, please exit the area by way of regular street routes.