Every winter, the residents of Lone Butte-Interlakes gather for a Family Day weekend event unlike any other. Dubbed the “outhouse races,” this wonderfully quirky annual competition in B.C.’s interior features outrageously decorated outhouses on skis, food and festivities, prizes for all, and a buttload of fun.
Variations of the event have been happening for decades but the races were officially revived by the Fishing Highway Tourist Association (FHTA) in 2014. “We came up with bringing back the outhouse race as a fun activity during the long winters when there’s not much to do,” says Irene Meili, President of the FHTA and outhouse race coordinator.
The day begins with an outhouse parade showcasing the creatively decorated outhouses, often given punny names like “Oh the Places You’ll Go” or “Turd Herder,” and their equally hilariously dressed team members.
Competitors race in the men’s, women’s, or junior’s divisions in teams of three. Two teams race against each other at a time, with the object being to complete the course the fastest. The twist? Teams are pushing, or pulling, an outhouse on skis, while one of their teammates sits inside of it.
The race is held at a baseball diamond next to The Iron Horse Pub, a favourite local spot, and takes on a triangle shape, with three pylons demarcating the course. At each pylon, the teammate on the porcelain throne must get out, run a circle around the outhouse, collect a bathroom-related object—toilet brush, plunger, toilet paper, etc.—and take up pushing the structure while a different teammate assumes the sitting position.
The premise is straight forward, but Sherry Rosser, the official photographer for the races, says spectators can always count on something funny or unexpected happening. “I almost got run over by an outhouse one year while taking pictures and I’ve seen someone fall out the back of one. It’s quite comical,” Sherry says. “It’s also very competitive,” she adds. “There’s always teams that go too fast and end up almost tipping over.”
Sherry, whose family will likely compete this year as they’ve done in recent years, looks forward to the chance to gather as a community. “You see people that you haven’t seen in a few years. It’s just a really fun day… If you dress for the weather,” she adds. As an employee at the Sheridan Lake Resort, Sherry’s family races with the resort’s outhouse, “The Honey Wagon,” named after the septic pump truck that services the trailers that stay at the resort.
As the races ensue and winning teams move up in their respective heats, spectators and participants partake in festivities organized by the FHTA and other local businesses and organizations, including toilet-themed games for kids, food and beverage booths manned by the high school grads and 4-H club, a breakfast buffet and music at The Iron Horse Pub, and a bonfire.
“Each year we try to add something new,” says Meili. “We also give out prizes for the fastest teams and the most beautifully decorated outhouses, though everyone gets something by the end of the day.” The fastest teams in each division get their name added to the golden outhouse—the Stanley Cup of the outhouse races—which remains on display at The Iron Horse Pub year round.
Another race participant, Natalie Sass, says her family’s outhouse, which was decorated and named by teenage boys the night before a race, is called the “Party Poopers” and is adorned in colourful streamers and balloons. Her sons and their friends competed in various animal onesies and came first five years in a row, but unfortunately, never won the award for most beautiful outhouse.
For Natalie, the event is a great excuse to get outside and have fun with family and friends. “The races have become quite the family memories for us,” she says. “The best part is the community camaraderie. Everyone gets together and we always have a lot of fun.”
This year, the races are set to take place on February 18, over the Family Day long weekend. Sounds like a stinkin’ good time!
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