Every now and then I like to remind people it wasn't that long ago that "There is nothing to do in Chattanooga" was a regular complaint.

This week, the mantra is "There is too much to do."

As we tried to shoehorn all of the events going on into this week's FYI Weekend edition, I was again reminded of how far we've come. I can't tell you how many times I speak to people from Nashville and Atlanta who mention they've spent a recent weekend here.

They all say the same thing: "We can be there in no time on a Friday, park the car downtown and not get back into it until Sunday when we leave."

This weekend's schedule might require a little driving, but there is something for everyone. From duck races in Ringgold to a tomato fight in Athens (Tenn.) to a Vince Gill performance to free concerts tonight and tomorrow to dogs chasing flying discs to oenophiles on the bridge to Mocs football (no kidding), if you can't find something to do, you need to check your pulse.

If you like festivals, this is either a great weekend or your worst nightmare as there are about a dozen to choose from.

Several haunted houses are open also.

This is all in addition to the usual things we have going on and after dealing with all of the water last week, the timing couldn't be better.

* Budget issues forced the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera to suspend its opera series, but Chattanoogans will have the opportunity to enjoy the art form thanks to the cooperation of several groups.

Hops & Opera will be presented next month by CreateHere, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. In addition, Big River Grille and Brewing Works will throw in a couple of kegs of beer, and Summitt Pianos will provide a Steinway performance grand piano for the performance at a reduced rate for the evening.

The evening is set for Oct. 23 at 7:30 in the main lobby of the Theatre Centre. Four local opera singers will perform, and each piece will be introduced by emcees Harv Wileman and CSO Conductor and Music Director Robert Bernhardt. They will provide background and trivia on the works in the informal setting.

Performing will be Desiree Soteres, soprano; Andrea Dismukes, mezzo-soprano; Michael Mays, tenor; and Ron Ulen, baritone.

Cost will be $10.

It should be pointed out that opera was a popular part of the CSO schedule as the crowds were always near capacity. Staging the shows, which includes paying the musicians and guest performers to rehearse and play, costumes and sets are very expensive. The CSO is working on ways to bring opera back, but the event next month is a good way to get an opera fix and to introduce it to new fans.

* Don't forget to nominate your favorite local musician or music entertainer for the FYI Music Awards at fyiawards.com.

The response so far has been very good.

E-mail Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com