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The big game, United Way and pizza rolls

Tonight, millions will be tuning their televisions to one of the major networks to watch what is considered to be among the biggest sporting events of the year.

It’s not the Hunger Games or the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It’s the Super Bowl, that annual battle on the gridiron to crown the champion of the National Football League.

I won’t even begin to speculate on any possible outcome for tonight’s game, because I’m not a fan of either the Rams or the Patriots. To be honest, if I watch any “bowl” related programming tonight, it will probably involve puppies and kittens.

While I can’t really call myself a huge sports fan, anyway, the Super Bowl still has been a highlight at times for me.

I’ve been known to set aside the evening to watch the big game with family or friends, get a few pizzas and cheer one a team or two. I’m sure it’s the same for most of us.

There’s a great deal of excitement as people plan parties and other special events. Lots of food and beverages are consumed.

I still occasionally tune in to catch some of the multi-million-dollar commercials, although a few of those already have been shown so it’s not really a big draw for me this time around. I’m not sure I’ll be able to enjoy any of them more than the commercial for a particular brand of adult beverage starring Jeff Bridges and Sarah Jessica Parker.

There actually was a TV show the other day counting down some of the best Super Bowl commercials. The good ones were primarily for Doritos and Budweiser, and I’m sure it will be the same this year. Coca-Cola apparently isn’t airing any commercials this year, so it will be interesting to find out what people will be talking about Monday morning — or even going onto Twitter tonight.

Let’s face it, the commercials have become the bigger draw than the actual game, and I’m not even sure there is a lot of excitement over the half-time show this year.

For me, Super Bowl excitement took place Saturday night with the eighth-annual Weirton United Way Super Bowl Eve Tailgate. Held at the Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse, and expected to have several hundred in attendance, this has turned into one of the United Way’s biggest fundraisers of the year, and usually serves as the end-cap of the campaign year.

It was first suggested by Scott Winwood, president of First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union, and held at the former Knights of Columbus hall in Weirton. It soon outgrew that venue and was moved to the former Serbian-American Cultural Center before moving to its current location near Burgettstown.

Of course, I’m writing this before the event actually takes place, but from what I’ve heard it’s supposed to be another successful night, with lots of great food and some amazing prizes for attendees to try and win.

All proceeds go toward the United Way’s campaign, which benefits 12 area organizations, so while it truly is a great night to get out and enjoy yourself, it also does good for the community.

Also, Saturday was Groundhog Day.

Going by Pennsylvania’s famous rodent, spring is going to be early this year, which is fine by me. I don’t mind winter, but the cold we’ve experienced this past week pretty much zapped any enjoyment I might have had from the season.

I’m looking forward to seeing some green on the trees and getting some sunshine on my face.

So, for those set to watch the big game, I hope you enjoy it. For those who may have placed a bet or two, I wish you luck.

I’ll be popping into the office for a couple of hours to work on Monday’s edition, taking care of my laundry and maybe read a book and eat some pizza rolls or something. It’s an exciting evening, I know.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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