CURIOSITIES -  America, the South and the Redneck Resort Mud Park

by Kate Spears

Hi y’all! Kate Spears here, a new contributor to the Southern Coterie. I’m so excited to be part of this fabulous southern community and for my first post, I wanted to feature a southern curiosity that has been on my mind lately.

While many southern folks are probably engaging in all sorts of genteel, civilized activities today in celebration of our nation’s independence, there’s a group of southerners down the road from where I live who are ringing in America’s birthday with mud on the brain, and pretty much everywhere else!

Down the interstate from my home of Knoxville is quaint Sweetwater, Tennessee. Nestled in Monroe County, it’s the home of the Lost Sea (America’s largest underground lake), Mayfield Dairy Farms and most recently, the Redneck Resort Mud Park http://www.redneckresorts.com/

The Redneck Resort Mud Park boasts that it is unlike any other off-road park in the state. The attraction’s website claims to offer something for everyone, from mud pits for ATVs, trucks and buggies, to acres of riding and mud bogging, campgrounds, a “swimmin’ hole” and live entertainment venue.

When I first heard about it on the radio, I wasn’t sure what to think. Now that I’ve seen photos, I’m even more baffled. Maybe mud is just not my idea of a good time. Apparently there are lots of folks who disagree with me because from the photos of opening weekend, the mud park is a hit.

I remember when I was in my college sorority, one of the fraternities at UT would host an event called Mud Bowl. It was basically a bunch of scantily clad girls rolling around in a muddy field. I never participated and it ended up getting banned due to the possibility of injury and/or staph infections? I can’t really remember. I just can’t believe that something like a mud park would be such a successful business venture.

That’s the thing about the south…it’s an interesting place. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you turn around and hear about people paying to play in the mud. My dad has a saying that “it takes all kinds.” All kinds of people, all kinds of adventures, all kinds of bizarre fun.

I’m proud to live in a country where all kinds are free to express themselves, even when what they say offends me. I’m glad everyone can pray to whomever they choose, even if our beliefs differ. I’m thankful for the folks who’ve gone before me, folks whose blood, sweat and tears were shed to make this nation such a wonderful place. There’s nowhere in the world like America and there’s nowhere in the world like the South. I’d have to say I’m pretty proud to be a citizen of both.

Happy Birthday America! You’re looking good for your age. Happy 4^th of July friends! Hope you have a wonderful day, even if your celebration involves mud!

You can also find Kate on her blog http://www.southernbellesimple.com/ where she celebrates all things that are particularly southern as well as a few other things that tickle her fancy.