East Dublin, GA, USA
July 7, 2007
events include the cigarette flip, the mudpit belly flop, bobbing for pigs feet, the big hair contest, the hubcap hurl, the seed spitting contest, bug zapper spitball, dumpster diving, and everyone's favorite, the armpit serenade. "That's when you cup your hand under your armpit and make farting noises," Davis says. "But people down here have taken it a step further and can play tunes."
A fixture at this annual event is a fellow by the name of L-Bow, a local asphalt technician who doesn't have any teeth. In his soiled bib-overalls, smelly T-shirt, and ragged old shoes, L-Bow is the perfect mascot for the Summer Redneck Games, which means he's the official torch-bearer. Of this honor, he sheepishly admits, "I got the big kiss and swole all up with pride." With a propane torch adorned with the aluminum from a 6-pack of Budweiser, L-Bow parades the athletes into the arena (a field) and lights the Ceremonial BBQ Grill. "Let the gas begin!" he hollers.
The event has raised some controversy over the years. Some locals have come forward saying they think the term is derogatory. Even some of the "wine and cheese crowd" have come forward, believing the event is degrading. "You know what," L-Bow says, "Everybody has a little bit of redneck in them. A redneck is anyone who works hard for every penny they get. It's the one time a year hard-working country folk in these parts can be proud of who they are and have a little fun." But don't think L-Bow is getting sentimental. "I got my own little creed about rednecks," he says. "We work hard, we play hard, and we die broke." Gentlemen...put on your beer goggles and start your riding lawn mowers. Admission is $5 per carload, so pack 'em in.
