Each year, the PFUFA holds its organizational meeting during the NFL’s Hall of Fame Weekend in Ohio. The organization gathers in Dover, which is just south of Canton – the home of the NFL Hall of Fame. The PFUFA members gather for the election of officers, rules and administrative matters, and the review of the new draft class. With the electricity of the NFL weekend, there are many other activities in which members are welcome to participate.
The festivities commence on Thursday with the “First Play” in Canton where hundreds of children line up beginning at the McKinley Museum and ending at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A football is passed from child to child to signify the start of the NFL season. PFUFA members walk the route to encourage the children and to sign autographs on their ceremonial shirts.
This year, the movie “25,000 Miles to Glory” premiers at the Palace Theater in Canton, with all proceeds going to the J. Babe Stearn Center for the Boys and Girls Club of Canton. PFUFA members will participate in the red carpet event with autographs and pictures.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/4p9KU30zNXI[/youtube]
Friday begins with the float judging for the “12th Man” float of the PFUFA for the grand parade held Saturday morning. The rest of the day involves the business meeting and ends with the Tailgate Party. Fans bring their local tailgate cuisine to share ranging from Texas BBQ, Philly Cheesesteaks, New Orleans Cajun food, Maryland specialties to name a few local specialties.
The Timkin Grand Parade kicks off Saturday morning trailing through downtown Canton, during which the PFUFA float recognizes the 12th man of the NFL games.
PFUFA members will either walk or ride in the parade, with the fans of the Super Bowl winning team carrying a replica Lombardi trophy at the head of the group. Afterwards, PFUFA members are available for photographs and autographs at the Ultimate Fan event at the Hall of Fame.
Early Saturday afternoon, members will attend the charity event at the J. Babe Stearn Community Center to hand out school supplies provided by the PFUFA and mingle with the children. The “Browns Backers” will cook for the children at the event as well.
On Sunday, the new draft class will be presented at the PFUFA breakfast and the Class of 2016 induction ceremony, held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The reunion wraps up Monday morning by which time, members have confirmed their plans for travel to away games for their respective teams and meeting up with colleagues during the NFL season.
