Playing in the mud!

It’s dirty business, but somebody has to do it.

That was the feeling shared by those who attended the 30th annual LDS Mud Football and Barbecue on Aug. 29 at the University of Arizona Experimental Field east of Maricopa.

Organizers estimate the annual event drew more than 600 people, with many participating in football scrimmages, while others just enjoyed wallowing in the mud.

After folks had cleaned up, participants enjoyed a dinner of barbecue pork sandwiches, along with a potluck of side dishes and desserts.

“This has gone on for 30 years. We didn’t do a lot of publicity, but all these people just showed up,” said Jim Monty, director of public affairs for the church. “It’s a long-standing tradition and really fun way to get the community together.”

“It was hot out there, but everybody seemed to have a really good time,” said Robyn Rush-James, a member of public affairs committee. “I had mothers tell me, ‘you spend all your time telling your kids not to get dirty, and now all they want is get clean.’ We laughed about it all day.”

Photo by Robyn Rush-James