Locals in the Interlakes are crossing their legs in excitement for the fourth annual Interlakes Outhouse Races set to take place Feb. 12 at the Interlakes Service Centre on Highway 24.
Outhouse racing teams will be paired off in head to head races.
Outhouse teams are organized in groups of three — two must be pushing or pulling the outhouse while one sits inside. Halfway through the 200-foot race, one of the pushers must switch places with the team member sitting on the inside for their turn on the throne.
Those after a whiff of victory will be able to compete for trophies in their division as well as for awards such as best dressed, best outhouse and the people's choice award.
Those who like their excitement a little more sanitized are welcome to watch from the sidelines and take advantage of the free chili, coffee and hot chocolate. There will also be an ice sculpture carving competition, sleigh rides, and a snow slide for kids.
"It's something you've never seen for sure. Some cutthroat athleticism — as long as you loosely define cutthroat — and just a lot of good people coming together to have a good time," says Paul Litzenberger, an organizer and the event MC.
The event is completely free. Those looking to participate can register on site at 10 a.m. the day of, or ahead of time by calling 250-593-4244 or by emailing info@freelinesigns.com. Outhouses must be built to the competition specifications and outfitted with skis for sliding, but otherwise, teams have full creative freedom. Last year's event featured pirates, a fishing crew and a "golden throne."
"It's a very laid back, very comical sort of event, so you have a few laughs, get to see some entertainment and get to hang out with friends, which we don't get too much of during the winter," says Litzenberger. "It's nice for the small community around here to get together a little bit and for outsiders to come and see a fun event."
The races will start 11 a.m. Extra parking spots, a stage and a bonfire will be set up for participants and spectators.
Porta-potties will be available on site.
