By Rita Howell

The Batesville Civic Center on Thursday night will be the scene of a mass tailgate, an indoor picnic  to celebrate, not a sporting event, but the work of the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Mississippi.

But sports will definitely be on the minds of those attending, as a well-known coach Rockey Felker of Mississippi State University will be the keynote speaker. Marcus Hunter, reporter of Memphis’s Fox 13 television station, will be the emcee.

The tenth annual fund-raiser supports the work of the local organization which operates after-school programs for youngsters in Batesville, Sardis and Crenshaw. About 500 children are served each year through the work of the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Mississippi, according to Belinda Morris, executive director.

Tickets, $50 each, will be available until Wednesday at noon. Call 578-7309 for information. “We want everyone to come out and have a good time,” Morris said.

“Tailgating with the Boys & Girls Club Kids” will begin at 6:30 p.m. Those planning to attend can anticipate a menu that includes steak and chicken. In the tailgating spirit, they can feel free to wear their favorite team jersey, or come in traditional “dressy casual” attire, Morris said.