LISA DENTON: Happy Labor Day, Barry. I suppose a holiday specifically designed to let workers not work would be a good day to stay on the couch.
But then I looked at the calendar and thought, well, I wouldn't mind having some barbecue. And this is the last day I can see a Chattanooga Lookouts game. And since the weather's supposed to be sunny, a last trip to Lake Winnie's SoakYa water park would be in order.
BARRY COURTER: I've offered before to soak ya using the garden hose. Just say when.
I don't know how much you are into these Ironman events we've been having in town, but there is another coming up, and the city keeps coming up with ways to make them fun for not just the athletes (I fail to find anything fun about running, biking and swimming for hours, but whatever) but their families and the fans. On Wednesday, there will be a free celebration of all things Made in Tennessee including food, wines, spirits and live music. Our own Strung Like a Horse will perform at 6:30 p.m. followed by new Nashville star Carly Pearce at 8 p.m.
James Bruneau works on the Samuel L. Jackson figure while preparing Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 for the opening of Wayne-O-Rama at the Chattanooga Fun House on Rossville Avenue.We'll actually have a preview at noon on Music Wednesdays on Facebook Live (facebook.com/timesfreepress) with the guys from Strung Like a Horse.
LISA: I'm with you. I get winded just watching the runners and bikers cross the finish line, and the one time I tried to learn to swim, the instructors nicknamed me "Rock," so the river portion of the contest is out. But the festival I think I can handle.
It's all about showing Southern hospitality to the 4,500 athletes coming from around the globe. I usually do it Minnie Pearl style, with a big "How-dee!" If you ask me, the world could use a few more howdys.
BARRY: It's a big ol' community hug-and-howdy. It takes place on Broad Street in front of the Tennessee Aquarium. The women's championship will take place on Saturday, and the men will race on Sunday.
Lisa Denton and Barry Courter
We should also let people know that the Wayne White exhibit at the Hunter Museum of American Art has been so popular with visitors, it has been held over, to use a theater reference, through the end of December. "Thrill After Thrill: Thirty Years of Wayne White" showcases his works from "Pee-wee's Playhouse," sketchbooks, paintings and giant puppets.
Wayne-O-Rama, the "history funhouse" he created on Rossville Avenue, will end its run this month. See it now.
Get event details every Thursday in Chattanooga Now or online anytime at www.ChattanoogaNow.com.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354. Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.