Off the couch: Swamp Romp a bayou party

BARRY COURTER: Lisa, finally someone has come up with an event I'm good at -- wallerin' in mud and eatin'.

Habitat for Humanity is holding a two-part fundraiser Saturday. The first is the Chattanooga Mud Run at Greenway Farms, and later that night is a Swamp Romp at First Tennessee Pavilion. I reckon the break in between is so people can clean up for supper.

LISA DENTON: It's a day to get down and dirty, whether you're competing in the morning or dancing that night. I do know that last year the Habitat folks filled their quota of 200 five-person teams, so this year they've opened the Mud Run to 400 teams (register at www.chattanoogamudrun.com). Who knew so many people liked mud-slinging.

BARRY: They sling it, they run through it, they run over it and, if they are lucky, they waller in it. I just like saying that. According to the news release describing the event, "slippery hills and military-grade obstacles have been added to make things more interesting." What could be more fun than that?

I'll tell you. The Swamp Romp will have food, music and games, though I just can't get fired up about playing something called corn hole.

LISA: Yeah, I've always wondered if Beavis and Butthead made up that game. What you should get fired up about is the entertainment.

Local acts Lon Eldridge and the WTM Blues Band will open for zydeco master CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band. Ayeee! I think I'll sit out the Mud Run but party at the Swamp Romp, if that's OK bayou.

The food should be pretty tasty too. It's catered by Virginia Cofer from Petunia's Silver Jalapeno. I've never tried her Low Country boil, but I'm a big fan of her butt.

BARRY: Hey-oooo.

LISA: And by that I mean her barbecue pork sandwich may be the best in town.

BARRY: That is a good pork sandwich. It's a knife and fork, multiple moist-towelette dining experience that can bring a tear to a glass eye. So if Gin-Gin's cookin' the boil, you can probably eat the spoon and be happy.