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Pulse

The World's Biggest Tailgate

by Chris DeVille

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Hineygate is one big tailgate party—the biggest in the world, say its organizers—with lots of big traditions.

And like any excited, inebriated get-together, Holiday Inn on the Lane's longstanding game-day party has produced its share of crazy, if hazy, memories.

The stories behind Hineygate, from its charitable roots to the booze-fueled behavior of its patrons, are chronicled in Hineygate: Tales from the Dark Side, a new book by Cindy Kilgore, the hotel's guest services manager.

The book ($12, available at the hotel and neighboring Conrad's Books and Gifts) reads like a stroll down memory lane, though it will probably be of interest to Hineygate regulars only.

But Kilgore writes with an enthusiastic charm, and for its intended audience it offers a wealth of nostalgia. Since she moved to Columbus and started working at the hotel in 1998, the parties have become her most frantic workdays and most enjoyed get-togethers.

"You still look forward to that first Hineygate," Kilgore said. "And you look forward to the last one."

Over the course of 75 pages, Kilgore alternately provides history and spills her observations about the tailgate. We are privy to the earliest editions of the party, the antics of house band the Danger Brothers, and a slew of quotes and stories.

One revelation many folks might not know about the party: Its proceeds always go to charity.

About a dozen organizations have benefited from the event over the years, including Give Kids the World, Make a Wish Foundation, Hannah Neil House and Charity Newsies, which will get the proceeds from this week's Michigan-day Hineygate.

Together, the groups have accepted more than $400,000 in donations over the years. It goes to show that getting wasted and gorging yourself on burgers can be a good thing now and again.

November 16, 2006