If sports clichès applied to every day life, then this would be the year to “leave it all on the field” when it comes to Becker Freedom Days (or Big Lake Spudfest, Clearwater Heritage Days, etc.).

That’s right, this column is a call to arms for area residents (come on, Bob! “Swing for the fences”) to be in a “league of your own” when it comes to participating in your town’s celebration.  

Let’s be honest, many of us can “talk a good game,” but are we willing to “step up to the plate” and “knock it out of the park?”

To be fully invested, all you need is a sports clichè and you can figure out the rest.

Example: “it’s gut check time.” This obviously means that you saunter up to the Freedom Days Grace Lutheran pork chop booth and check your gut (it needs at least two pork chops - eating just one is basically like being a quitter). Remember, “there is no ‘I’ in team” or “two pork chops, please.” Also, people will see your plate full of deliciousness and definitely think to themselves, “they answered the bell.”  Plus, you’re “stepping up to the charity stripe” for a really good cause. It’s not like anyone is going to “Monday-morning quarterback” your food choices.

Need more inspiration? Try out this one as you prep for your first pass by the Becker Lions beer garden: “they just won’t be denied today.” Other clichès that apply in this area include, “this guy’s (or gal’s) absolutely unstoppable,” “he (or she) took that one for the team,” and “it’s do or die time right here.”

Of course once you’ve placed your order, be sure to let Kurt or Gary or Bev or whichever Lion’s Club member is serving you know that “they really brought their A game today” and be sure to leave a nice tip. Seriously, it would be funny if Tim or the other members heard that saying about 250 times.

Now don’t forget, there’s plenty of advice in these worn-out phrases that can apply to the parade as well.

Nothing says “defense wins championships” better than shielding the candy thrown in your direction from those pesky kids who cruise the sidelines trying for that last tootsie roll.  That’s right, collecting candy “is a game of inches” and I’m convinced you will get no dirty looks if you’re a 50-something year-old retired deputy named Chad who brings home a zip lock bag of parade candy that was meant for the kids.

Now, in a perfect world I could offer some prizes for the best performer, but remember “it’s not about winning and losing, but how you play the game.”

Of course no good challenge would be a complete without a proper uniform for the contest. How about Zubaz? Yes, you heard it here first guys, you now have permission to dig deep in the bottom dresser drawer and find those well-worn dandies and sport them in public (you always knew that elastic waistband would come in handy).  Wear them proudly and your wife will know that “you’re really sending a message.”  

If you receive some weird looks glances or stares, you will know that “you’ve gotten inside their heads.”

If you really want to “take it to the next level,” it might be time to “put your game face on,” and show a little too much enthusiasm for whatever you’re doing.  Win a game of Bingo?  Make sure the whole festival knows about it. Make those “oohs and aahs” at the fireworks as loud as you can. This will show that “you have what it takes to win” and that you had to “overcome a lot of adversity” with a “gutsy performance” for the big win.  

Seriously, “give it 110%” this year and let your actions at Freedom Days et. al. answer the question of “who wants it more?” 

Remember, “second place is the first loser” and “you’re going to remember this moment for the rest of your lives.”