'Football Fever' on the way
Aberdeen church sponsoring event

In the coming months, the whole state of South Dakota will become engrossed with football fever. Whether it be for high school or college games, people can't get enough grid-iron action. The First Church of The Nazarene at 1425 Melrose Drive, Aberdeen, is hoping to add to that fever by hosting its own free "Football Fever" pre-game festivities before some Central High home games. Football Fever will take place outside the church, which is right across the street from Aberdeen Central High School and the Clark Swisher Athletic Complex, where the games are played. - College Football -
Andrew Brewer, youth pastor at Nazarene, said the Football Fever idea came from attending larger sporting events around the area. "Some places offer food booths and activities for kids and we want to offer that to the public," Brewer said. So far, Brewer plans on hosting the event one hour before kickoff on Sept. 9 for the game against Pierre and Sept. 30 against Watertown. He added that there is an option of holding Football Fever for a third game at a date to be determined. Anyone is welcome to attend. Brewer said that Central games were picked because a majority of the students he works with go to Central and he didn't want to overexert the church's abilities by hosting the event too many times before finding out how involved the events will be. Activities for the pre-game fun will include accuracy throwing contests, pinatas, sports trivia, and a bevy of free food. - College Football -
Brewer said that a number of businesses have donated prizes and gift certificates for contest winners. He added that businesses seemed very receptive to the idea and were willing to help out the community. The church will provide the food. "Hopefully the kids will enjoy it. As long as they come and win prizes, it should be exciting," Brewer said. Brewer, who has been at the church for two months now, said that the goal of the church is to be a part of the community and find a way to reach out to youths. - College Football -
"Being a part of the community is what we're about. We want to offer a safe place for kids to come have fun," Brewer said. He added that he had the idea for the pre-game fun even before Swisher tailgating issues were raised earlier this summer. "We just hope and dream that this will go over well and it will become a yearly event," Brewer said.

Bill E. Wambeke
American News