It’s been a long time since I’ve seen grown men celebrate at a finish line, dancing and screaming, over a six-inch trophy toilet!
It’s the annual tradition (third weekend in February) at Sapphire Valley in western North Carolina, turning a ski slope into a slippery slope where a myriad of uniquely constructed outhouses chase the painted orange line to claim the honor of the top outhouse racer! It started 12 years ago with a faint idea and has morphed into one of the most anticipated activities of the winter season.
Fourteen houses waiting patiently for their turn at the starting line, but it would be only one that would win, over and over again in this double elimination tournament. Some say, they had the Lord on their side. Others might say it was the toilet seat that gave them the slip.
“Anyone can enter the race,” says Juanita Owen of Sapphire Valley. “I don’t think there is anywhere else you could go and have so much fun with outhouses. Everyone does look forward to this each year.”
Even with the dark clouds and mist, hundreds lined the course, cheering for their favorite outhouse. And wouldn’t you know it, the rain disappeared during the hour of the race. The winner, Confession Concession, might have a theory as to why that happened.
Click here for the minute-by-minute race!
Judy and Len Garrison are at home in Farmington, Georgia, just on the outskirts of Dawg country – better known as Athens. Len, an IT manager and photographer, and Judy, an editor, author and travel writer, invite you to travel along with them as they explore the best of the South. Email them at seeingsouthern@gmail.com. Visit their website at Seeing Southern, and follow them on Twitter at @judyhgarrison, @seeing_southern, LIKE them on Facebook and on Instagram.
