Bulldogs, Pirates Join Up For Tailgate Party

By TYRA LUDVIGSON

The Progress

Virgin Valley prepped for the big high school football game last week by hosting a rockin’ tailgate party on Friday, Oct. 21. Held at the Mesquite Welcome Center, the event included a live performance from the band fittingly named “Dry Heat,” Moreno’s Bounce Houses for younger kids, food from various food trucks in the area, and face painting done by the Virgin Valley High School Student Council.

All of these amazing attractions were put in place for both the Bulldog and the Pirate fans bases. The rivals from either side of the mesa were both invited!

The event was enjoyable for all ages! John Felix, VVWD woodshop teacher, stated that the party got the whole community out.
“People from Sun City to young families,” he said. “It was an awesome event!”

Felix was stopping by on his way to the game to watch his son #6, Kurt. The Felixs have lived in Virgin Valley for a long time and have enjoyed the fun rivalry with Moapa Valley for years.

The face painting station was a hit! Kenny Richmond, a part of VVHS Student Council face painting committee was excited to be there!
“It was nice to see everyone come together to support both teams!” Richmond said. “But most importantly, of course, the Bulldogs!”

Ben Nelson, another member of the face painting committee, commented about the tailgate saying, “Great food! Great people! Great time! Go Bulldogs!”

The event saw people in attendance from both sides of the rivalry. Virgin Valley was of course well represented. But many families from Moapa Valley also stopped by on their way to the Dawg Pound for the game.

The Bosch family of Moapa Valley was one of those families.
“We’ve watched these boys prepare for this game, and I’m sure the Bulldogs have just as much,” said Celeste Bosch. “So I’m sure it’ll be a really great game!”

Celeste also commented on the rivalry saying, “There’s this huge rivalry with Mesquite, but we love Mesquite!”
The rivalry between Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley runs deep, but also runs deep with love from both sides.

Dave and Shanae Taylor from Virgin Valley were also in attendance. Dave commented on the perfect timing of the tailgate. “Having it at 3 pm had the seniors coming early who want to stop by, then dip to go to sleep-”
His wife Shanae cut him off with “David that’s us!”

The young couple definitely stayed on their toes as their youngest son Spencer had the time of his life in the bounce houses.

Dave also commented that “The tailgate is a great thing to get the community involved! I love that it is at the Welcome Center.”
The Welcome Center was the perfect place to start this new tradition. It has been a long time since the Center hosted this big of an event.

Nicholas “Nick” “The Great Bambino” Montoya worked tirelessly along with the City of Mesquite to organize this wonderful event.
“It’s a community event, we’re supporting the teams,” said Montoya. “It’s all about fun!”

Montoya, Director of the City’s Athletic and Leisure Services Department, said that he has plans to make a tradition of the event..

Montoya also shared the inside scoop that the city has plans to continue hosting community events at the Welcome Center including “Food Truck Fridays” in the future. These efforts from the city and school keep the heart of Virgin Valley alive: the community!