Before the Rodeo Parade, it’s tailgate party time — Evergreen style.

Folks arrive as early as 5:30 a.m. to get spots in the downtown parking lot, where they set up tents and chairs in anticipation of the 10 a.m. parade start.

The families from the Herzman Mesa subdivision were in full-swing party mode at 9:30 a.m. with about two dozen adults and kids eating breakfast, listening to country music and socializing.