On Sunday, the biggest unofficial holiday of the year will be celebrated in homes, restaurants and sports bars across the nation.

It's Super Bowl Sunday, the day football fans will gather to watch the "big game" this year between the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills. The game will be played in Minneapolis, with kickoff scheduled at 5:30.

"It's such an event that it's become a national holiday," said Doc Cain, owner of Port Cape Girardeau, where Super Bowl parties are nothing new.

Sunday's party there starts at 3 p.m. in front of a big screen TV with free hors d'oeuvres.

And although football traditionally is perceived as a men's sport, Cain said lots of women show up for the party as well.

"You'd be surprised," he said. "There are usually as many women as men."

Last year, the Persian Gulf War cast a shadow over the Super Bowl, and caused the National Football League to cancel their pre-Super Bowl party. Cain said that last year the Super Bowl crowd was substantial, and he expects more to celebrate this year.

"People here usually don't get real loud," he said. "It's pretty laid back and mellow."

At Tantrum Pub & Grill, the Super Bowl party starts at 3:30.

"I think people want a place to hang out and watch the game," said Carole Clayton, manager of Tantrums. "We have a big screen, and that seems to draw a lot of people."

Drawings for prizes and drink specials are a staple for Super Bowl parties, she said.

"We're dropping the price of a beer a nickel every time there's a touchdown, and the pitchers are dropping a quarter," she said.

But for those who would rather feast during the game, Tantrums and Port Cape will have homemade chili, and Jeremiah's in downtown Cape Girardeau will have free hot dogs.

Cindee Holder of Jeremiah's said more people usually pack the bar after the game than during it. She said Super Bowl parties at someone's house are popular, but after the game many people like to go out and celebrate, particularly if it was a good game.

"Some people wait until after the game," Holder said. "But those who are here during the game, I think have a good time."

Holder said that, similar to other holidays, people like to celebrate with friends and family members. She said the Super Bowl isn't the only sports event that people like to watch at a public place.

"I remember when the World Series was on," she said. "It got pretty crazy in here."

At Applebees, Redskins fans will get a price break on potato skins and Bills fans can order buffalo chicken wings for a reduced price.

Manager Scott Parsons said he isn't certain the restaurant will be packed Sunday, but that all four of Applebees' televisions will be tuned to the game.