MHS Community Celebrates 82nd Cocoa Bean Game with Tailgate and Watch Party

The Milton Hershey School community came together in a big way on Friday, Aug. 22, to cheer on the Spartan football team during the annual Cocoa Bean Game, a rivalry of more than 80 years between MHS and the neighboring Hershey High School. Earlier that week, the Our Pledge theme for the 2025-26 school year was revealed at the Opening of School Assembly. During the assembly, MHS alum and former NFL player Garry Gilliam ’09 announced the tailgate and watch party.

As the MHS Spartans prepared to take on the Hershey High School Trojans on their home turf, just across the street at Founders Park, MHS students, staff, alumni, parents/sponsors, and retirees gathered for food, fellowship, and fun before the game’s kickoff at 7 p.m. An excited crowd enjoyed food trucks, bounce houses, outdoor games, carnival games, a live DJ, and much more to celebrate the 82nd Cocoa Bean Game.

At kickoff, fans moved to a viewing area to watch the game live with commentary from MHS staff members. Loud cheers arose across the park as the Spartans made great plays and scored touchdowns. The Spartans fell to the Trojans with a final score of 42-26, but the tailgate party was a success.

“We love to bring together our community, and what better way to start a new school year and football season than with a tailgate party,” said Josi Rhoads, MHS Manager of Community Life. “We’re so glad to see our students and staff enjoying themselves and having fun.”

The first Cocoa Bean Game was in 1943. It served as a benefit to fund Christmas boxes for the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during World War II. Eight decades later, the tradition is still going strong with support from the Hershey Rotary Club.