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Super Bowl Sunday: The Biggest American Celebration of Sports, Food, and Fun

Super Bowl Sunday has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends the sport of football itself. It’s the one day of the year when millions of people, not just die-hard fans of the NFL, gather to celebrate what is arguably the most anticipated event in American sports. But while the game is undeniably at the center, Super Bowl Sunday has evolved into so much more than just a championship match between two football teams.

A Terrorist Again Tries to Break the American Spirit But Ultimately Fails

Just as I was deciding what to write, 2025 was starting out well and a hopeful new year for the United States of America was ahead. A new beginning of looking forward to a better economy and a stronger less divided nation was looking bright. The peace became overshadowed by two domestic terrorist attacks. One of them took place in the great state of Louisiana, in the city of New Orleans, where Superbowl LIX (59) will be held on February 9, 2025.

Once again too many innocent American lives were tragically cut short – 14 in total, and their families lives torn apart by a coward who this time used a large pickup truck instead of a gun or knife as a deadly murder weapon and tried to break Americas’ sense of safety and hopes for a new year ahead. His plan was ultimately defeated as evil was once again thwarted by our country’s ability to unite as one and be strong in a time of crisis. Another bad part to this is that the murderer once wore an American military uniform. Unfortunately he turned out to be pure evil personified. The American spirit however, is going to rebound and wounds will be healed over time.

Praise to the Almighty and living God that we still live in a divine inspired, Great country and mighty superpower. My sincerest condolences, PRAYERS and thoughts to any of the families of this tragedy who might be reading this. May your loved ones who you have lost be in peace until you are once again reunited.

Thank you to all American service persons for continuing to risk your lives defending a great, powerful and thankful nation. E Pluribus Unum- Latin for “Out of Many, One”

A sense of normalcy once again prevailed as the Sugar Bowl was played and the Joan of Ark parade took place in New Orleans on Monday, January 6, 2025. This is the first parade of the Carnival season. Before the parade president Biden paid tribute to the victims at the St. Louis Cathedral. It is wild how fast 2024 went by and the season of Lent will be upon us and Mardi Gras celebrations will again take place.

America the land of the free because of the brave will always be great! AMEN!


A Celebration of Football Excellence

The Super Bowl, officially known as the NFL Championship Game, has been held annually since 1967, marking the culmination of a season of intense competition in the National Football League (NFL). It brings together the best teams from the AFC (American Football Conference) and NFC (National Football Conference), who battle it out for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy. The game’s significance goes beyond just the final score, as it represents the pinnacle of professional football, where legends are made and history is written.

For those who love the sport, the Super Bowl is more than just a game; it’s a culmination of weeks, months, or even years of passionate fandom. The anticipation begins long before the game kicks off. Fans eagerly follow playoff games, analyzing team strategies, rosters, and individual performances, building the tension until the big day. For these fans, Super Bowl Sunday is an all-day affair, starting with pre-game rituals and ending with the excitement of the final whistle.

One of my Uncles and his eldest daughter always bonded over football, her siblings also, especially when it was a game in which the Denver Broncos were playing. One of my Aunts also loved the game of football. I remember one Thanksgiving in Grand Junction, Colorado the excitement when the Broncos scored especially during a touch down. At the time the great John Elway was quarterback for the Broncos. This memory was of course not of a super bowl but I remember a super bowl party I went to when I was in high school with my Montrose Christian Church Bible Bowl group. It was a game that Denver lost, unfortunately, but it was a fun time. The Broncos did go on to win two championship games with Elway as quarterback and another while he was an executive.

Super Bowl XXXII, 1998: they defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-24. Terrell Davis was named Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XXXIII, 1999: they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-19. Elway was named Super Bowl MVP.

Elway is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He also won a Super Bowl as an executive for the Broncos when they won Super Bowl 50 in 2015. He is also owner of John Elway Chevrolet in Englewood, Colorado and there is another dealership in Greeley, Colorado.

The Party Atmosphere
However, not everyone watching the Super Bowl is there for the football alone. Super Bowl Sunday has morphed into a nationwide celebration filled with parties, social gatherings, and community events. It’s a day when friends and families come together to enjoy each other’s company and cheer (or commiserate) in unison. Whether you’re hosting a party at home or attending a gathering at a friend’s house, the Super Bowl creates an electric atmosphere, with food, drinks, and plenty of socializing.

The parties often take on a life of their own, with people who may not typically be interested in football still gathering to join the fun. For many, it’s about the camaraderie, the chance to wear team colors, and experience the energy of a crowd, even if they’re more interested in the halftime show than the game itself.

The Food Fest
One of the most iconic elements of Super Bowl Sunday is undoubtedly the food. It’s an integral part of the day’s celebration, and for many, the Super Bowl serves as the ultimate reason to indulge in all their favorite snacks. From wings to nachos, dips to pizza, Super Bowl Sunday has become a time to feast. In fact, food consumption on this day rivals that of major holidays like Thanksgiving.

Buffalo wings, in particular, are considered a Super Bowl staple, with Americans devouring over a billion wings each year on game day. Chips and dip, especially the classic guacamole, are also in high demand. People take great pride in preparing elaborate spreads with every snack imaginable, and many will spend hours before the game perfecting their homemade chili, sliders, or gourmet versions of the classics.

Here are some of my Mother’s desert bar recipes. The first is for Peanut Butter Dream Bars:
2 cups oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup chopped peanuts
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp soda 3/4 tsp salt
1cup melted margarine
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup plain M&M’s candy
preheat oven to 375 degrees

Combine oats, flour, peanuts, brown sugar, soda and salt and mix well. Add margarine, mix until dry ingredients are thoroughly moistened &
mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of greased
15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch pan and bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Combine condensed milk and peanut butter in small bowl mixing
until well blended. Spread over crust to within 1/4 inch from edge. Combine rest of mixture and M&Ms and sprinkle over peanut
butter mixture pressing lightly. Continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool thoroughly and cut into bars.

The next one is for Banana Bars:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 tsp baking soda dissolved in 1 tsp water
1 tsp vanilla
4 to 5 bananas-mashed
preheat oven to 350 degrees
enough chocolate chips and chopped walnuts to put on top of bars
Cream together shortening, egg and sugar. Beat well, stir in dissolved baking soda, vanilla and dry ingredients and mix together and
add bananas and blend. Place into 9 x 9 inch pan. Top with chocolate chips and nuts. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool and cut into bars.

For those who don’t want to spend the day in the kitchen, there’s always the option to rely on takeout or delivery, with pizza and wings being some of the most popular choices. The convenience of ordering food to share with friends is part of the charm, allowing people to focus on enjoying the game and not worrying about food preparation.

The Halftime Show: A Cultural Phenomenon
While football is the main event, the Super Bowl halftime show has become its own spectacle. Over the years, the halftime performance has transformed into one of the most anticipated musical events of the year, with superstar performers taking the stage to deliver unforgettable performances. From Prince’s iconic rendition of “Purple Rain” to Beyoncé’s electrifying set, the halftime show has proven to be a cultural touchstone for music fans worldwide.

Each year, the halftime show brings a mix of music, choreography, and celebrity appearances that aim to captivate not only the hardcore football fans but also the millions of viewers tuning in for the entertainment. The halftime show has become an opportunity for artists to showcase their talents on the grandest stage, and often, it becomes a trending topic on social media. The buzz surrounding the performance adds another layer of excitement to the day, as people eagerly discuss their favorite moments and speculate about the next big surprise.

The Commercials: A Multimillion-Dollar Extravaganza
Perhaps the most unique aspect of Super Bowl Sunday is the commercials. Advertising during the Super Bowl has become an art form in its own right, with companies spending millions of dollars for a 30-second spot. These commercials are often elaborate, featuring high-profile celebrities, cutting-edge technology, and humor that is designed to create a lasting impression.

Super Bowl ads have the rare distinction of being a part of the entertainment, with many viewers specifically tuning in to see the new commercials. Brands use the occasion to launch major marketing campaigns or unveil their most creative and daring ideas. Over the years, iconic ads like the “Coca-Cola Polar Bears,” Apple’s “1984” commercial, and Budweiser’s “Whassup” campaign have entered the cultural lexicon, and people eagerly discuss the best (and worst) commercials long after the game is over.

Super Bowl Sunday: A National Event
What makes Super Bowl Sunday so special is its ability to unite people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a lifelong football fan, a casual viewer, or someone who just enjoys the social aspect of the event, there’s something for everyone. It’s a day where communities come together, bonds are strengthened over shared moments of excitement, and traditions are created.

Even for those who don’t watch football, the spectacle of Super Bowl Sunday is hard to ignore. It’s more than just a game; it’s a day of celebration, and its significance reaches beyond the sports world. It’s a testament to the power of sports as a unifier and the joy of shared experiences that bring people together in celebration. So, as Super Bowl Sunday approaches, it’s time to gather with friends and family, enjoy the food, revel in the entertainment, and get ready for a day that has become a national tradition.