Some years ago a few friends would gather, under a small popup tent, next to the UL baseball
stadium, Tique Moore Field, for football tailgating. Soon other friends began to visit and participate in the
tailgating activities. Things were good!!
However, scheduled outdoor improvements for this area by the University claimed the group's
tailgating site. A new site, across the street from theTigue, became the new tailgating home.
In short order the group outgrew this site, and moved to a new location nearby.
The new location was larger... two lots were now the tailgating site. Two, and sometimes three small popup tents were required
to shelter the group, and the increasing number of visitors to the site.
The increasing number of tailgating participants necessitated some organization to prevent
the duplication of entrees and side dishes. This was accomplished by forming teams consisting of three persons
to a team. Each team is assigned a home game and they furnish the entree(s) of their choice. Side dishes
and desserts are furnished by the remaining members in the tailgating group.
It was easy to recognize that we were now a true organization. A name was needed!
After some discussion it was decided that Krewe de Chew was to be the name of the organization. It is a unique
name that has an interesting play on words.
The Krewe outgrew its site, and moved to its present one, which consists of
three lots, and accommodates two large tents to shelter the Krewe's numerous guests and visitors.
The present site abuts the west side of the Maintenance Building, which is located across the street from the first base side
of the baseball stadium, Tigue Moore Field. The site is easily recognized by two large white tents, its
large Krewe de Chew signage with numerous UL fans, and fans of the visiting team enjoying a unique tailgating experience.
UL football tailgating has grown, and tailgating sites are at a premium. Our present location
is very desirable. It is within easy walking distance, in fact almost a stone's throw, of Cajun Field.
Future voluntary moves by the Krewe are not likely, but my mother, a very wise person, had some very sage advice.....
never say never! So, until the unexpected happens we can be found in the same location, from one football season to
the next one.
The Krewe is not a formal organization. There is no charter, no officers, no dues (assessments
are made as needed), and no written rules or regulations. The only thing perceived to be a rule is that dishes are
to be "made from scratch". There are some exceptions to this "rule", such as Cajun boudin and cracklins, but no fast
food fried chicken, or some such items!
The Krewe functions on the good will and sensibility of its members. This, along with its
desire to support the University, and our joie de vivre contributes to our success.
What has been printed about Krewe tailgating:
"There is one more thing about a game in Lafayette that I have to mention. This is one
place to go where the tailgating is quite possibly better than the game. This year I was invited into the dining area
of the Krewe de Chew. These folks (the Krewe) take tailgating to a different standard. Outside most stadiums
you'll find the usual hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and beer. Under the tents of the Krewe de Chew you'll find Cochon de
Lait (whole roasted pig), fried sweet potatoes, shrimp egg plant casserole,seven layered salad, Mexican corn bread, and chocolate
covered strawberries. And that's just a small part of the menu. Not only are the Cajuns great cooks but they are
some of the most hospitable people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. It's a shame we don't play ULL in Lafayette
every year-a truly unique experience."
The above was an addendum to the game report written by Jay Eller. Eller is a retired
Army officer and a die hard Troy fan. He reports on all Troy University football games, home and away, for local
newspapers. This description was of the Krewe's tailgating for Homecoming 2005.
