The rivalry football game against Louisiana State University on Saturday might not be the scariest part of gameday for some Gator fans.
Students and alumni attending the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences TailGATOR event Saturday will get the chance to pet a tarantula in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
The 18th annual TailGATOR event hosted in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences will also feature a student in a cockroach costume, baby alligators and take-home space plants.
Curtis Smyder, the academic student services coordinator in the horticultural sciences department, said the event will have an interesting mix of attendees.
“It’s a chance for the college to thank alumni, to show them what we’ve done in the past year and the changes we’re making and how we’re making an impact both in Florida and students’ lives,” he said.
Cathy Carr, director of alumni and career services of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, said 600 to 700 people are expected to attend the tailgate. Face painting, a barbecue and a silent auction, which raised about $3,300 for scholarships last year, are highlights of the annual event.
About 35 interactive displays from IFAS-related organizations will educate and entertain attendees, she said.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to interact with alumni and professionals who may be in their career area of interest,” Carr said.
TailGATOR starts three hours before kickoff, and advance tickets cost $12.50 or $15 at the door.
[A version of this story ran on page 8 on 10/8/2014]
