Between 8,000 and 10,000 people come to tailgate and watch the parade before the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic football game at A.J. McClung Stadium every year.

So if you’re going to the event this weekend, you’ll want to get your spot early, says Carolyn Erkins, president of the Tuskegee Alumni Association.

Erkins described the annual tailgate -- which takes place in the parking lot and on the grass in front of the Columbus Civic Center -- as a class reunion and family reunion combined.

“You meet different people,” she said. “It’s filled with activities. There’s plenty of good food and fellowship.”

You can start tailgating as early at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 7, and all tailgaters must be set up by 9 am. on Saturday. Tailgating ends after the game on Saturday, at around 6 p.m. Tailgating spots can be purchased on Friday afternoon at the stadium.

After you’ve set up for tailgating, head down to First Avenue for the annual Tuskegee-Morehouse parade. The parade begins on Broad Street in Phenix City at 9 a.m. on Saturday and features marching bands from Tuskegee University and Morehouse College, as well as local high schools and community organizations.

For more information, contact the Classic committee at 706-322-5983.

Contact Sara Pauff at 706-320-4469