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Tangled Up in Swine

Is there really anything more enjoyable than the smell, the sounds or the feel of a Sunday backyard barbeque? Just picture it: gathering on a fair-weather day with great friends, a few cold ones and carefully prepared, char-grilled deliciousness.

Chances are though, with the change of the season and the beginning of the soon-to-be busy time of the year, your thoughts are far from anywhere in the vicinity of party planning.

That's why, and in the name of a worthy cause, the young professional's group The Massey Alliance invites you to the city's own backyard for their 3rd annual Swintangle Barbeque event this Sunday. The barbeque helps raise funds for cancer research through the VCU Massey Cancer Center .

"The event began three years ago because the group was looking to put on an event that is for families, young professionals, older people and that is very laid back," said Rachel Kaplan , committee member for Swinetangle.

"It's a great way to get people together in a very relaxed, fun atmosphere and to raise money for Massey."

One of Richmond's favorite barbeque joints, The Smokey Pig , will generously be donating the all-you-can-eat meat for the day, and Loveland Distributing Co.  will provide the adult beverages.

"This is an amazing opportunity if you buy your tickets in advance, because [the $25 fee] gets you all you can eat and all you can drink," Kaplan said, "plus the chance to hear the Atkinsons play all day by the water."

To really bring the feel of a down-home, backyard barbeque to the city, the Massey Alliance has put together a Corn Hole tournament for adults, as well as a silent auction and raffle.

And as for parent's little "piggly-wiggly's," the group has brought in a moon bounce and other fun kid activities, as well as the chance to color and name the event's new "muddy-mascot."

While barbeque and beer has clearly proved to be enough to get people on their feet and down to Rock Bottom Island for the event in the past, the Massey Alliance strongly encourages Richmonders to remember the important contribution they will be making to the Cancer Center through the admission fee.

"This is an affordable way for people to help a great cause," Kaplan said. "Sometimes, the more expensive fundraisers seem out of reach, but this is definitely an attainable ticket cost."

"Cancer is something that affects so many people; it's something we can all identify with, relate to and a cause we can all support."

The 3rd annual Swinetangle Barbeque will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at Rock Bottom Island , located at 5995 River Road. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 11 and older in advance, $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 11 and older at the gate. Children ages 10 and under get in free. Proceeds from the event will benefit the VCU Massey Cancer Center   to support research in the fight against cancer. Tickets may be purchased online  here until Friday, Sept. 19. For more information, call (804) 827-0642.