The weekend of the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic is always one of the most exciting in Columbus, Georgia and this year should be no different.

This is the 82nd annual event here and the 112th meeting between the Tuskegee University and Morehouse College football teams.

Chairman Douglas Troutman said it is going to be a “great time.”

“There will be a lot of people and a lot of fun,” he said.

While there will be many activities, one thing is missing this year. There will be no concerts.

“They have lost money in the past and we are trying to raise money for scholarships,” he said.

However, Davis Broadcasting Inc. will be sponsoring an Old School, New School party Friday from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. in the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

Both teams bring a 3-2 record into the game, which will be played Saturday at 2 p.m. in the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.

The morning of the game will be the annual parade in which the bands of both schools will participate.

Troutman said as many as 30,000 people are usually in attendance.

He said sweaters and coats for the needy will be collected at this year’s parade, which begins on the Colin Powell Parkway in Phenix City and ends on Broadway in Columbus. It starts at 9 a.m.

As usual, there will be numerous vendors outside the stadium Friday night and Saturday. There will be many items for sale. Food and music will be plentiful.

The Franklin Douglass Charity Golf Classic will be played Friday morning at the Country Club of Columbus beginning at 8 a.m.

“We want as many golfers as we can get. Contact us and we will squeeze you in,” Troutman said.

Troutman said the planning committee for the classic is staffed entirely by volunteers.

The event pays for the food and lodging of both teams and bands.