A new grassroots movement calling itself Common Sense for Maine is kicking off its first annual “Tailgate for Common Sense” later this month, an event blending football, food, and political activism in support of what organizers call “Common Sense values.”
The event is set for Sunday, November 23, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Aquaboggan located at 980 Portland Road in Saco, and will feature a live broadcast of the New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals game on a massive 50-by-100-foot drive-in movie screen.
According to organizers, the tailgate will include live music, cornhole tournaments, silent and live auctions, and a fireworks finale to close out the evening. Tickets are priced at $100 each, and proceeds will fund Common Sense for Maine’s public education and advocacy efforts.
Event organizers say the Tailgate for Common Sense will feature dishes from 25 of Maine’s top chefs, including smoked brisket, chicken thighs, pulled pork, clam chowder, pizza, chili, and a wide range of desserts from whoopie pies to apple crisp.
The day aims to serve as both a community gathering and a fundraiser for Common Sense for Maine, a coalition of Maine business owners and residents promoting policies centered around lower taxes, smaller government, and stronger voter integrity measures.
In its event materials, Common Sense for Maine describes itself as “a select group of concerned Maine business owners and blue- and white-collar Mainers” seeking to restore what it calls Common Sense values.
Its priorities include less government and lower taxes, no tax on Social Security, U.S. citizenship required to vote, opposition to illegal immigration and taxpayer-funded benefits for non-citizens, support for traditional education, and merit-based standards over diversity, equity, or critical race theory initiatives.
The group says it operates entirely through volunteers, with no paid staff, and funds its messaging through membership donations and public events. Money raised supports TV, radio, and print campaigns aimed at promoting “Common Sense legislation” and countering what the group characterizes as “disingenuous mainstream media narratives.”
Organizers describe the tailgate as an opportunity to bring together Maine residents who believe in traditional values and fiscal responsibility, while also offering small businesses a chance to gain visibility through sponsorships and advertising.
“This is a great way for businesses and families to get involved, have fun, and support policies that reflect the values of most Mainers.”
The event will include a silent and live auction, live entertainment, and a fireworks finale, creating a festival-like atmosphere around the day’s Patriots game.
While Common Sense for Maine is not officially affiliated with any political party, its messaging aligns closely with themes common among conservative voters and small business owners frustrated by state and federal government policies on taxes, education, and immigration.
The group says its goal is to amplify the voices of ordinary Mainers through grassroots engagement, with the belief that “the will of real Mainers can be heard” across all levels of government, from the Blaine House to Washington, D.C.
Event: Tailgate for Common Sense
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 980 Portland Road, Saco
Tickets: $100 per person
Contact: Gary or April at (207) 571-9401
Common Sense for Maine says all proceeds from the tailgate will fund its continued outreach, advertising, and community education programs. The event is open to the public, and organizers say all are welcome to attend, participate as sponsors, or simply join for “a day of football, food, and Common Sense.” https://commonsenseformaine.com/
