The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) invites Carolina and Clemson fans to the annual Certified SC Grown Tailgate at Gamecock Village on Saturday from 3 – 7 p.m. before the Palmetto Series football match-up.

“Whether you’re cheering for the Gamecocks or the Tigers, we can all agree on supporting our local farms and farmers,” said Commissioner Hugh Weathers. “The Certified SC Grown Tailgate is a great opportunity to show Carolina and Clemson fans alike how to incorporate local products and produce into their tailgate experience.”

The tailgating event will start four hours prior to kick-off, and feature a home-grown, local menu representing farmers across the state. Other event highlights include a corn-hole tournament between Cocky and the Tiger, a prize-wheel with Certified SC Grown giveaways and more before the Gamecocks and the Tigers face-off in Williams-Brice Stadium for the chance to earn another Palmetto Series point. The current score is 5:2, Gamecocks.

Throughout the year, as the two universities compete head-to-head, each earns points, with the winner earning bragging rights and the coveted Palmetto Series Trophy. The University of South Carolina has won the last two years.

The Palmetto Series was created using the full schedule of athletic events between Carolina and Clemson and includes football, baseball and volleyball and men and women’s soccer, cross country, golf, basketball and tennis. Points are also awarded for highest team GPA and for the Palmetto Series Food Drive tackling hunger in their communities. The Food Drive point will be announced during the Carolina vs. Clemson football game.

Launched in 2015, the Palmetto Series fosters a fun competition between the historic rivals while connecting fans with farmers and to the food grown in South Carolina.

To learn more about the Certified SC Grown Tailgate, or to follow-along in the Palmetto Series, visit www.palmettoseries.com. You can also connect online with the Palmetto Series on Facebook (/PalmettoSeries), Twitter (@PalmettoSeries) and Instagram (@PalmettoSeries)