The next Saturday Downtown Troy Tailgate is this Saturday on The Square in downtown Troy and downtown is the place to start a football Saturday in Pike County.

Shelia Jackson, Troy tourism and public relations director, said everyone is invited to Saturday Downtown Troy Tailgate before the Troy University home game.

“We’ll be tailgating from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and we expect another great crowd because Lil’ Jimmy Reed will be back in town,” Jackson said.

Lil Jimmy Reed, a renowned blues singer, makes his home in Enterprise but his music is universal.

“Everywhere he goes, Lil Jimmy Reed makes an impact with his music and his style,” Jackson said.

“He was born in a small town outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana and grew up poor in material things but rich in musical talent.”

Jackson said Lil Jimmy Reed lived across the street from a nightclub and could hear the guitars, piano and jukebox playing way into the night.

Reed plays the guitar and the harmonica and he plays them at the same time.

“We are fortunate to have him at Saturday’s Downtown Troy Tailgate,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the Saturday Downtown Troy Tailgate events are very popular.

“There’s no better way to get up for the game than will fellow Trojans,” she said. “The downtown square has a variety of shops and restaurants and they offer game day specials.”

There’s free parking in downtown Troy and shuttle service to and from Veterans Memorial Stadium.

“Everyone is invited to join us on the square before the game on Saturday,” Jackson said. “The square is the place to be on Trojan game day.”