The Bell Center Tailgate Challenge
Paul Mann and his team are going for their third people’s choice award this year at The Bell Center Tailgate Challenge. The LSU/Mardi Gras theme team are, left to right, Steven Langham, Lance Hutcheson, Paul Mann, Kaden Weldon, Scott Weldon, Kim Weldon and Brandon Weldon. Photo courtesy of the Bell Center.
Bell Center Tailgate Challenge
Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
1700 29th Court S., Homewood
$15 per adult, $5 children age 4-10, free for children 3 and under
Chelsea resident Paul Mann is ready to throw down the gauntlet at this year’s Bell Center Tailgate. The two-time people’s choice trophy winner is going to defend his title on Aug. 29 for the 6th annual fundraiser.
Mann is an Alabama fan and has competed in the past with a neighbor who pulls for Auburn and an LSU fan friend.
“The first year we did the ‘a house divided’ theme and in 2014, a LSU/Mardi Gras celebration — with a Cajun boil, lots of bead throwing, Moon Pies, the whole shebang,” Mann said. “That was such a success, we’re going to do it again this year.”
While Mann has a real affinity for the Tailgate Challenge, it can’t compare with his love of The Bell Center, where his son A.J. was enrolled from 2010 to 2014. Diagnosed with Down syndrome, A.J. began at The Bell Center at six months, Mann said.
“It was great for him because he started learning skills such as speech and social, even singing, at such a young age, and he’s so much better prepared now to go to school,” Mann said. “It also helps the parents because it’s a community with other families in similar situations.”
The tailgate challenge was held at the Summit last year, but this year it will be held at The Bell Center itself, located in Homewood at 1700 29th Court South.
“This is the first time we’ve held the challenge at home, and it’ll be great to have people see where we are,” said Kelly Peoples, The Bell Center’s fund development director. “We’ll have live music, a kids zone sponsored by Covenant Classical Schools, different cheerleader and dance teams, plus a lot of shade.”
The Bell Center offers early intervention for children from birth to 3 years of age with special needs or who may be at risk for development delay. Services include physical and occupational therapy, speech and language pathology and early childhood especial education.
Peoples said this year’s goal is to have 50 teams of challengers from the Birmingham area, each with their own themed tent, who will attempt to outdo each other to claim the awards for best tasting food, best team spirit and best all around.
“We ask the teams to offer samples of their food to the crowd, and our judges are WJOX radio personalities,” she said. “But then the crowd votes on the people’s choice winner.”
Peoples said she expects about 1,000 people to attend this year’s Tailgate Challenge, in addition to the 500 team members competing. Team tents are $150 and include 10 admission tickets. Gate entrance tickets are free to those ages three and under, $5 for ages four to 10 and $15 for all others.
Mann said he and his teammates will be at The Bell Center bright and early Aug. 29, ready to make a run at their third people’s choice title.
“The Bell Center does so much for the community, helps so many children and this is a big fundraiser for them, so it’s a win-win-win for those who take part, those who attend and the kids,” he said. “Plus, with lots of fun, lots of food and a few beers, it’s a great warm-up for football season.”
For more information about The Bell Center and the Tailgate Challenge, go to thebellcenter.org.
