Being from Saskatchewan it is hard to ignore the fact that we have a football team. It is indeed our pride and joy and I think most of us feel a sense of "Rider Pride" whether we actually watch the games or not. Green is our colour and I PROUDLY wear my jersey on game day, no matter where I am headed.
I attended my first football game July 28, 2001. Went with a boyfriend and some friends. Got there the end of the second quarter and then it started to rain and thunder and lightning. We decided it was time to leave. It was a good choice because it was a terrible storm that followed. At this point I was just excited to go somewhere and really knew nothing about the game.
The second game was June 14, 2002. We decided to go for a year end school trip. I come from a class of 12 boys and 2 girls, so this was an excellent decision. During school time the boys cut watermelons in half and we ate most of it. Once it was picked clean they wore them on their head for the game. It is a common occurrence these days to be a "melon head" and there are even actual plastic watermelons you can buy. I wanted to show some spirit too, so I coloured my hair green with marker. Why I have no pictures of this is beyond me. We even ended up on the news. The seats were really good, I think at the 42 yard line. My dad was one of the drivers. Thank goodness he drove because he then proceeded to tell me all about how the game actually worked. I finally started to understand football.
I must have decided I really liked this whole experience, as I attended 2 more games that summer. I know we won one because I remember there was a line up for whoppers at Burger King. Free whoppers on the back of the ticket. It was a lovely day, and of course my friend got beer spilled all over him. This is typical at a Rider Game. One was in the end zone, and I believe we lost. There wasn't much to see from that angle anyway.
Watching the football game wasn't something I remembered growing up, except perhaps when we won the Grey Cup back in 1989. There was a big party at my uncles house and as a four year old, the most important part was that everyone was so happy and I was being spun around and around. I do remember my dad watching it all the time, but I never paid much attention.
Fast forward to 2008. My sister and her husband are really into this. They are having parties every weekend to watch the game. I decided to get in on this. Yes, I had to be a pain and ask a zillion questions to understand anything. I now too watch every game with them that I can. Although they have changed, as there are babies now involved. They are nice get togethers, still include a few whiskeys and beers, and snacks are a must. Oh and you CANNOT talk during the game. That is do NOT speak of anything unrelated to the game itself. Commercials, although short, are fair game.
Being a rider fan is pretty common in my family. Rider gear is a common gift for all ages. You might get something like this and this. It is appropriate attire while waiting for a baby to be born, as well as a gift like this at the baby shower. Sometimes someone will even go a little further and give you a gift such as this or this. It's especially important to dress your baby up on game day. You will probably see whole families dressed up on days such as these, friends as well. I'm also pretty positive that you have at least SOME kind of Rider memorabilia in your household
I'm sure you all have family reunions every summer that includes watching the game. Everyone probably also wears rider attire while cooking, playing horseshoes, singing, drinking beer, playing golf and slowpitch. It's also quite a good idea for a new person to wear their jersey when first meeting my family. Also be prepared if someone might like to "borrow" an especially excellent piece of clothing.
Only in Saskatchewan is Rider clothing considered a part of your dress up wardrobe. What should I wear for Easter? For a birthday? Even thanksgiving is not off limits. Yes, we you can even get license plates now to represent.
These game days just bring people closer together. Gives you something to look forward too all season. The off season is full of people randomly wearing their rider clothing, as it is always a sure topic starter. All in all, whether we win or lose the Rider Pride is going strong. I am proud to be a part of it. SEA OF GREEN! LET'S GO RIDERS! No, we are not crazy. Well, I do still wear my dad's 1989 Rider sweater :)
For more real information go to www.riderville.com
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