I PERHAPS SHOULD NOT even publish this post, being a Minnesotan and a Minnesotan who does not watch football.
But even I can’t ignore all the hype about the big play-off game this evening between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers.
Have I watched a football game yet this season? No.
Have I watched a single sporting event yet this season? Yes, I did watch parts of the summer Olympics.
Within that context, you might rightly surmise that I don’t care much about sports. While I can appreciate an individual athlete’s talent, sports as entertainment (for some, but not me), and the value of athletics in teaching discipline and teamwork and in making for a good physical work-out, I dislike the adulation of/obsession with athletes in our sports-crazed world.
Father and daughter Green Bay Packers fans from Appleton. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
That segues us right into Wisconsin. Not until my second daughter moved to Appleton, 30 miles south of Green Bay, two years ago, did I understand just how devoted/obsessed/crazed Wisconsinites are about their Packers, but in a fun-loving sort of way.
For example, when my husband and I shopped at Appleton’s Festival Foods last October, the day before a Packers game, we came across a display of gold and green brat buns. We just stood there and laughed and I wished I’d had my camera. Next time I’m buying some of those Packers buns and sneaking them into Minnesota. That would be easier than trying to do a food photo shoot at Festival Foods.
Game Time Kettle Korn. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
A year ago, while shopping at Lamers Dairy in Appleton, I spied Game Time Kettle Korn, dyed green and gold, of course.
Packers fans houses in Wautoma? Or simply a gold house and a green house? Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
And then there are the two neighboring houses in Wautoma, which is west of Oshkosh. I still wonder whether those houses were painted green and gold because of the Packers or because the homeowners especially like those colors. I’d have to vote for the Packers connection.
Near Omro along Wisconsin Highway 21, I saw this Packers-themed BEEF-FENSE! sign for McDonalds earlier last year. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Billboards offer another prime venue for Wisconsinites to express their devotion to the Packers.
A tribute to Aaron Rodgers. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
But perhaps the most creative public display of Packers support is along Wisconsin Highway 10 west of Appleton near the New London exit. Here, on a highly-visible barn, you’ll discover a tribute to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. We spotted that Packers notation last trip since we, once again, skirted the unending road construction on U.S. Highway 41 between Oshkosh and Appleton (and around Green Bay; be forewarned).
So, you see, as much as I don’t care about football, I find Wisconsin’s devotion to the Packers both amusing and entertaining.
Icy cold beer chilling in a snowbank in my Minnesota backyard. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Go, Vikings!
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
It’s a good thing you finished with that last frame or I would be forced to find you!!!!! Will I be watching the game tonight??? Hmmmm, probably, but I will have my notebook ‘puter in my lap or a quilt mag. at the same time. These games really do nothing but raise my frustration level with the number of $$$ spent on such activities and yet other needs fall on deaf ears (the same green/gold or purple/gold ears!!!). Just sayin’!!!!! Gutsy post!!! LOL!
Yes, I had to throw in that final Vikings beer mug image to assure everyone I really do support the Vikings. I pondered whether I would anger anyone, but the post is meant to be taken in good fun, with some honest truthfulness tossed into the mix.
Achieved! Well done!-D
Go Pack!
Hey, Jean, thanks for stopping by with your enthusiastic cheer for the Packers. When I was out and about this a.m. in Faribault, I met a husband/wife shopping. She was wearing Packers attire, he Vikings. She grew up in the Appleton area, so, of course, we had to chat since my second daughter now lives there. I told the Packers fan I wished I had my camera with to capture she and her husband in their rival clothing. Even though I support the Vikes, I’ve liked every Packer fan I’ve met.
My partner is from Wisconsin and I’m a native Minnesotan. The game will be on at our house, but all in good fun. It’s an excuse to hang out on the couch together.
http://oneminnesotawriter.blogspot.com
Let the fun begin.
Watching the game….not sure why, Ugh!
Just read your comment this a.m., Jackie. I saw only parts of the game as we were attending a company Christmas party. Probably better that way.
Anyway, congratulations to the Packers!
I like sports but I don’t understand grid iron. It’s not a game we have down here. I understand though that there are a lot of die-hard fans who support their teams in a huge way like dying their popcorn yellow and green xx
You are right on that word, die-hard fans. The Packers fit that definition and more.
I could care less who wins? I’m a bad Minnesotan.
Nope, not a bad Minnesotan, just one who chooses not to care about sports, like me.
🙂