WINFIELD -- The planning for the third annual Putnam County Courthouse MU/WVU tailgate event is under way.

The county will host the family-style tailgate event from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, in the courthouse parking lot in Winfield. The event is alcohol-free and is open to the public.

You are invited to come and tailgate to get in the spirit for the Friends of Coal Bowl, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 27. Wear your green and white or your blue and gold and show your team spirit for a chance to win the Most Team Spirit Award presented by Poca Valley Bank.

Many events are scheduled such as Pass for Cash courtesy of Mid Way Ford, Tug of War coordinated by Putnam County Parks and Recreation, and MU/WVU Trivia, hosted by Diamond Electric. For a donation toward the building of a new animal shelter, you can fire a paintball at a Mountaineer or Herd target. There will be a Sticky Wall, Turbo Rush, Monster Wave, Mickey's Fun Factory, and Slip and Splash for kids and adults alike sponsored by Putnam County Bank, so bring your swim suits and towels. Tri-County YMCA will coordinate other children's activities.

If you love hot dogs, take part in the Hot Dog Eating Contest, made possible by J. Barnes & Associates. You can also vie for cash in City National Banks Money Machine.

Other major sponsors include AEP's John E. Amos Plant, Putnam County Parks and Recreation, Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Marshall University Teays Valley Regional Center, and the WVU Extension Service.

All area businesses and individuals are invited to take part. Make your tailgate as elaborate or as simple as you wish. Parking is free and is first-come, first-served.

Questions should be directed to Karen Haynes, event coordinator, at 304-757-7584 or Brian Donat, County Administrator, at 304-586-0201.

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