Clothed head to toe in Alabama merchandise, a monstrous figure of stuffed straw stood tall in the Tiger Manor parking lot Friday evening – until he was lit on fire by the Manor’s owners. The fire was part of a promotional event held by the Manor to coincide with the nearby North Gate Festival. About 40 people stood behind a ring of orange cones and red caution tape to watch the blaze. Propped up from behind by a long wooden board, the burning figure ended up falling forward as the flames engulfed it. Attendees were treated to snacks, including chips, hot dogs and soft drinks. Visitors over 21 were offered free beer – provided they visited the Manor’s model condominium. Somewhat less enticing were the three fire extinguishers standing inconspicuously behind the refreshments table. Glenn Stewart, co-owner of Tiger Manor, said inspiration for the event came in part from the Burning Man in Nevada, an annual event where people gather in the desert as part of an untraditional cultural experience. Stewart said this past weekend’s football game against Alabama – led by former LSU football coach Nick Saban – provided the “perfect candidate for a burning man.” Though many stood transfixed as the crackling fire drowned out music from North Gate, reactions to the event were mixed. Philipp Akchurin, petroleum engineering junior and previous Tiger Manor resident, said he was disappointed with the event. “I was expecting something a lot better,” Akchurin said. “I was expecting more people to be here.” Matt Moerschbaecher, environmental studies graduate student, said the fire was entertaining. “I think this was an absolutely necessary event for the occasion,” Moerschbaecher said. “It’s hard to even put this into words.”
—-Contact Daniel McBride at [email protected]