SINCLAIRVILLE - The Cassadaga Valley Central School Football Boosters are well into their planning for a history-making event at the middle/high school.
If all goes well, the Cougar varsity football team will play Westfield Academy and Central School at 7 p.m. on Sept. 28. The game will be "under the lights," the first evening game played in the history of the school. About 13 portable diesel powered lights will be brought onto the field to illuminate it.
After the Board of Education voted at its July meeting to allow the boosters to go ahead with their plans, the boosters have been working on the event. They are selling tickets to a chicken barbecue scheduled for 4-6 p.m. before the game. Tickets cost $8. Those wishing to buy tickets may contact any booster, football player, or cheerleader. The barbecue will be held in the back parking lot near the entrance to the football field.
Boosters including Lori Johnson and John and Julie Dunderdale manned a table at the recent history fair in Sinclairville, taking donations, selling tickets to the barbecue, and answering questions. A number of junior varsity football players assisted.
Beside the game and barbecue, the boosters plan to have a bake sale, and hope non-profit organizations will staff booths. For example, Officer Quattrone from the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department has committed to bringing materials concerning the Stop DWI (driving while intoxicated) campaign.
Booster Christin Degolier said, "The start to the game will bring CVCS Alumni and Cassadaga Midget Football players on to the field to acknowledge our varsity players/cheerleaders. Half time allows us to bring our Homecoming Court on to the field. This is such a big event for us."
"The money generated will be used to help with expenses like equipment that boys and girls use. We would also like to donate to midget football. They have switched leagues and are short on finances," Johnson explained.
The boosters hope Cassadaga Valley Alumni will turn out for the event. Those who do not have a local contact can call either Mary Jo Bauer at 679-5512, Lori Johnson at 969-2725, or Tara Gugino at 640-2437 for tickets. People who have questions or would like to volunteer may also call.
The boosters hope the community and alumni support the event.
Comments on this article may be directed to dchodan@observertoday.com
