Vote Shep Deputy Commissioner of Tailgating

By Ryan Shepard

If there's one thing I dig doing, it's cooking. Related to that, another love of mine is cooking for other people -- especially tailgating. For those who didn't know, I've tailgated for both football games and Dave Matthews Band shows -- primarily concerts, rather than games. I've cooked here in Western NY; I've cooked outside of Seattle; Wisconsin...I'd said earlier this year that one goal would be to get down south in the next year or two, but that was just wishful thinking.

A couple of months ago, a friend (and nancies.org user) suggested I fill out an online form at Coca-Cola.com's "Football Town USA" site. It was a campaign they were doing for football, working with Joe Cahn, the Commissioner of Tailgating.

I filled out the form, including a 250-words-or-less essay about tailgating, my personal philsophies concerning it, the food I chose to make, and so on. I figured it was pretty much like most online contests -- I'd have no chance of winning.

Wrong.

On December 16th, I got a phone call from the company who is handling Coca-Cola's contest for them. I am one of 10 national finalists in this contest, and I have the chance now to be flown to Houston (with my girlfriend Shannon) for the weekend prior to the Super Bowl. From what I've found out, we'll get to tailgate with Joe Cahn; apparently Houston is celebrating the Super Bowl all week long leading up to the main event.

Frankly put, I need votes. From January 2nd until the 12th or 14th (I'm not sure), you can vote for me at footballtownusa.com and help me become the Deputy Commish. Go to the link for voting (bottom of the page; can't miss it) and then you'll see a small picture of me, with my name as "Ryan S."

Okay, you're thinking, I'm sold on this guy. What can I do?

Vote! Vote! VOTE!

Accept my thanks. Know that as you vote and support, you're helping me out tremendously, and that I do appreciate it.