Get Off The Couch: 'Thriller' Wine Over Water, Fair on tap

BARRY COURTER: Lisa, why is it that whenever there is something I really want to do, it usually conflicts with another high-appeal event? Next Saturday night is such an evening.

Wine Over Water and the Black Jacket Symphony presentation of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album at the Tivoli Theatre are both that night.

I know that Wine Over Water is from 5 to 8 p.m., so it will end when BJS is starting, but I would just feel awkward sipping a nice chardonnay with those "Thriller" fangs and talons. Gotta paint up.

LISA DENTON: Barry, that's just fall in the Tennessee Valley. I'm surprised anybody schedules events during college football season, but I guess it must be done. But that's why you see televisions turned to the SEC Network at corn mazes ... and weddings.

Speaking of corn mazes, Rock City opens its Enchanted Maize this weekend at Blowing Springs Farm in Flintstone, Ga. And if that's too folksy for you, you can head to Ruby Falls for the Haunted Cavern or out Highway 58 to The Haunted Hilltop. I mean, you'll be wearing your "Thriller" garb anyway. You'll fit right in.

I'm just surprised you'd schedule two events before your big plans for Sunday, the Ironman competition. I was going to compete, but then I found out the 2.4-mile Tennessee River swim will be down current (might as well float), the bike ride is only two loops of 56 miles each (pfft) and the run course is just 26.2 miles. After all that swimming and biking, I believe I'd still have enough steam for a 26.3-mile run.

Of course, the best decision they made was to have the Chattanooga race sponsored by Little Debbie, made right here by McKee Foods. That couldn't be more perfect.

BARRY: Nothing says "pushing your body to the limit" like an Oatmeal Cream Pie.

Seriously, Ironman athletes are a whole different level of tough. Honestly, I wouldn't choose to ride in a car that far, but I suppose that attitude helps explain this fine specimen of a body that I haul around every day. I might go down and watch, though. There will be places all around town to see some of the action. I'm looking for some place with a wait staff.

Speaking of such, the Downtown Dalton Beer Festival & Home Brew Competition is Saturday on the Dalton Green. I actually popped the top on the first bottle of my own first attempt at home brewing this week. Not bad. Not great, but drinkable. I should go down and see how it's really done.

LISA: Sounds like a good idea. And I probably don't need to mention that college games will be on the big screens in the Football Zone at the competition. What I really like about this festival is that, if you overindulge, you can get free rides home for you and your car. I'm not sure I trust my car to get home, though. Hocus Focus would probably give directions to a house with a garage.

BARRY: And don't forget that the Hamilton County Fair is Saturday and Sunday. Cue the Dalton Roberts commercials. "Come to the county fair."

Get event details every Thursday in ChattanoogaNow 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.

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