Gator alumni gathered this weekend for barbecue and Florida football with a woman’s touch.
“It’s girl time!” said Aya Anglin, a UF alumna, as she nibbled on ribs.
About 150 Gator women of all ages met to celebrate football and fashion at a tailgating-themed expo hosted Friday by Gainesville Health & Fitness for Women.
Women lined up to sample barbecue, some dressed in workout clothes and others clad in orange-and-blue sundresses and 3-inch heels.
A radio blasting music by female singers set the mood at the gym’s Thornebrook location as participants enjoyed appetizers, makeovers and gameday dress and jewelry displays.
“Pretty much everything you’d need for tailgating is here,” said gym employee Rachel Bennett, 28. “Hair, makeup, even table ideas.”
Gainesville boutiques showcased gameday trends with orange-and-blue dresses, jewelry and accessories for sale. For some women, tailgating is similar to hosting a dinner party, where details ranging from personal appearance to food presentation are important, Bennett said.
Much of the displayed clothing was meant to be practical for hot Florida football games but still had an edge of sophistication, said Adriana Del Rosario, a 20-year-old food science and human nutrition junior.
“There’s a lot of on-the-go fashion,” Del Rosario said. “Not so sporty, more upscale.”
Vendor Susan Merrill said the event was a golden opportunity to network because it brought Gainesville businesswomen together.
“When women come together to support each other, it speaks volumes,” Merrill said. “We’re just helping each other.”
