You know the old saying, "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today"?
That's especially good advice on Labor Day.
The unofficial end of summer is your last chance for a couple of events around town. If you've been delaying that trip to Lake Winnie's water park or the chance to see the Highbeams perform at Rock City, there's no time to wait. Not to belabor the point, but today is the actual, bona fide, honest-to-goodness last chance before both are gone for the summer.
But that's not the only thing worth knowing on the last day of your long weekend. Has it been a while since you heard James Rogers sing? Are you hankering for some barbecue? Need a new book for the nightstand?
Here's a sampler of things to know and places to go on Labor Day.
SoakYa puts a cork in it
Lake Winnepesaukah's water park will be open today, its final day of the season, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The high is expected to be around 90 degrees, so summer is still packing heat. The combo ticket, which gets you into both sides of the park (wet and dry), costs $34.95 for ages 3 and older, $24.95 for children ages 1-2 and seniors 60 and older (prices do not include tax). Even as you say "so long" to SoakYa, you can still visit the amusement park Saturdays and Sundays in September, then return for the haunted incarnation, Lake WinnepeSpookah, on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Visit www.lakewinnie.com for more information.
Summer Music Weekends plays its end chords
For the past several summers, Rock City has offered a lineup of musicians every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Today's final act is the Highbeams, the trio of Adam Pendlington, Ian Pendlington and Stephen Quinn. They describe their sound as "adventure rock," a brand of feel-good music with high energy and tight harmonies. Their shows on the Cafe 7 Stage are included in admission to the park: $22.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 3-12. Summer Music Weekends also feature interactive Birds of Prey Raptor Shows, the chance to make a glow-in-the-dark firefly jar, mingle with Rocky the Elf or take a guided walking tour of the gardens. The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit www.seerockcity.com for more information.
Feast on a summer's-last-fling family festival
Some event organizers may be taking the day off, but not the folks in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. They'll present Labor Day at the Post from 11 am. to 5 p.m. today at the polo field adjacent to the 6th Cavalry Museum, 6 Barnhardt Circle. The day includes arts and crafts, a play zone for kids and a chalk art festival. Native son James Rogers performs at 2 p.m. Admission and parking are free, though you will have to get out the wallet for concessions and some activities. For $15, you can buy a wristband to give the kids unlimited activities. Find out more at www.6thcavalrymuseum.org.
If you want to take in some scenery, Section, Alabama, atop Sand Mountain, will celebrate the day at Section Community Park, one block off Alabama Highway 35, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Bands will perform country, bluegrass, gospel and rock music throughout the day. There will be activities for kids, and adults can take part in volleyball, horseshoes and dominoes. Plus you can chow down on homemade ice cream and barbecue. Admission is free. Call 256-228-3280 for more information.
If you really have a travel bug, you can find Arts in the Park in Marietta, Georgia, and the Pioneer Days Festival in Cartersville, Georgia.
Belly up to some barbecue
Red Bank Masons will serve up their annual barbecue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. You can find them at the Red Bank Community Center on Morrison Springs Road behind Erlanger North hospital. You can get a plate of pork barbecue with a bun, baked beans, coleslaw, dessert and tea for $10. Call 423-667-2960 for more information.
Likewise, the Signal Mountain Lions Club will sell barbecue at its annual Labor Day picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Althaus Park behind the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club. Hamburgers and hot dogs also will be sold, and you can pony up for a raffle ticket for a chance to win a car. Find out more on the Signal Mountain Lions' Facebook page.
Buy a book
The Chattanooga Public Library will be closed today, but you can visit the Friends of the Library's book sale at Eastgate Mall, 5600 Brainerd Road. You can find a wide selection of books, DVDs, CDs and other treasures at reasonable prices. Proceeds help support the library. The sale will be open daily through Sept. 18. Hours today are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For quickest access, use the mall's B entrance. For more information, go to www.friendsofthelibrary-chattanooga.com/book-sales.html.
The thrill of the grill is waiting
If you've had any difficulties with the grill this summer, you'll have a chance today to get some expert advice. LongHorn Steakhouse will have its Grill Us Hotline open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to coach callers on how to make a great grate steak. Dial 1-855-LH-GRILL to be connected to a grill master. Even if you're not picnicking today, keep the grill masters in mind for any tailgating tips you need this fall. They can advise you on prep and cleanup, recommend a favorite cut, give tips on operating and caring for your grill and trouble-shoot if you run into problems, like overcooking.
Say goodbye to summer with a good buy on a treadmill
Personal finance website WalletHub says treadmills are the best item to buy in September, relative to the rest of the year. Nothing like buying a treadmill on Labor Day to remind you of work.
The site's analysts also advise that the best Labor Day deals include Whirlpool dishwashers, Inspiron 11 3000 laptops, Insignia 32-inch televisions and Beautyrest mattresses. Happy shopping.
You can't blame any travel delays on TDOT
According to WalletHub's stats, 25 percent of Americans plan to go out of town for Labor Day and 86 percent will be traveling by car.
But if you get stuck in a jam traveling home today, it won't be because of road construction delays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation reports all lane closures on interstates and state highways have been halted through 6 a.m. Tuesday, just in time for your commute back to work. Keep in mind that even with no lane closures, workers may still be on-site in some construction zones and drivers "are urged to obey" posted speed limits. You can get the latest construction updates and run live-streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. You can also dial 511 from any land line or cellphone for travel information.
There's help getting home if you overimbibe
On the chance that you celebrate too much and don't have a designated driver, don't get behind the wheel. Instead, you can call for a Tow To Go, a free and confidential ride home for you and your vehicle (within 10 miles), compliments of AAA Auto Club Group, the Auto Club Traffic Safety Foundation and Budweiser. Available through 6 a.m. Tuesday, the service is only offered in certain states, including Georgia and Tennessee, and may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather, but you don't have to be a AAA member to get a lift. Call 1-855-286-9246 (855-2-TOW-2-GO).
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.