The fifth annual installment of the back-to-school celebration will be 5:30-7 p.m. Friday at Chieftain Arena and Beatty Field. Sports scrimmages and team and other group introductions are some of the events planned for the tailgate.

The evening kicks off with a Tonganoxie High School volleyball scrimmage at Chieftain arena and then Beatty Field will be the hub of activity starting at 5:15 p.m. with the serving of food at the tailgate.

USD 464 staff members will serve hot dogs, chips, cookies and water at the stadium.

THS band members will perform at 5:30 p.m. and then the THS boys soccer team will scrimmage at 5:40 p.m.

THS and Tonganoxie Middle School volleyball teams will be announced at 5:50 p.m. and then the unified bowling squad will be recognized at 5:58 p.m.

Here’s a rundown of the remaining recognitions, scrimmages and performances:

• 6:05 p.m., 2023-24 Tonganoxie Elementary School students of the month announced

• 6:12 p.m., TMS and THS cheer squads perform

• 6:20 p.m., TMS and THS football teams announced (THS will scrimmage)

• 6:24 p.m., THS girls golf announced

• 6:30 p.m., TMS and THS cross country announced

• 6:45 p.m., THS Chieftain Stars dance team performs

• 6:55 p.m., Tongie Tailgate ends

The school year started this past week, while practices for TMS and THS fall sports teams began Monday for preseason camp.

The fall sports regular seasons will be getting started in 2-3 weeks as well for teams across the state.