Fans celebrate Super Bowl with food, family

Though Dale Fangman, 49, has been a Colts fan since the early 1970s, his 17-year-old son Jason sported his Saint's jersey Sunday evening at the 6th Annual North Liberty Community Center Super Bowl Party and Potluck.

Despite the good spirited rivalry, the family just enjoyed spending time with each other.

“It's really nice. It brings the community together,” said Jason's twin brother Chris. “And you get to try everyone's food,” he said, referring the long table offering a traditional Super Bowl feast.

North Liberty Mayor Tom Salm, who had no team allegiance, took the opportunity to bring his grandkids out to partake in the many activities - like face painting and pin the football on the goal post.

“It's better than sitting at home. It's a great family event,” Salm said. “Even in bad weather, people came out.”

While the snowfall continued throughout the game, the slippery conditions didn't keep the roughly 130 people from braving the trip.

Cheryle Caplinger, who organizes the event, said the event has become more popular each year, but said the weather likely kept the numbers down from the estimated 300 people present in previous years.

“It gives the kids opportunities to do more than watch their parents watch the game,” she said, as rambunctious children nearby kept busy running around in circles around the room.

Caplinger said she thinks offering the free event with good food, door prizes and T-shirts is a way to show people there are always fun ways to keep engaged in the community.

Latisha Dees, 34, who moved to North Liberty from Tennessee in November to be closer to family, said she didn't mind the snow - rather, she felt just the opposite.

“I love it,” she said, after putting her hands in the air to cheer on the victorious Saints. “And there is actually a lot of activities for my (3) sons to do.”