A bitterly cold wind did not stop hundreds of families and some 700 people from enjoying the Interlakes Economic Association’s annual Outhouse Races at Interlakes Business Centre on Feb. 7. Many of those in attendance won one of dozens of door prizes.
Organizers – headed by main sponsor Craig Charlton of Interlakes Excavating, Steve and Susan Brown of RONA, Bob and Anneli Goheen of Interlakes Market, and Gordon Ross Contracting – did an outstanding job of keeping everyone thoroughly entertained.
Twelve astonishing outhouses were each manned by three people, one seated and two pushing. The two-circuit loop provided for the mandatory mid-race personnel changeover from outhouse sitting to pusher.
Dotted all around were brilliant ice-sculptures created by the host businesses. Steve Brown brought in docks and strategically placed for viewer seating.
Thanks to contractors Chris Charlton and Trevor Embree, the younger crowd also had a superb toboggan run that was in continual use, and will likely continue to be used.
Events moved along at great speed, with run-off outhouse races for women and for men, as well as foot races for the hordes of youngsters.
Special races included the Bridge Lake Dash (ages 13-17) in support of Bridge Lake Elementary School; the Corner’s Dash for 18-plus years competitors; and the Seniors Sort Of (50-plus years.)
The Cariboo Dash, a fast, endurance race, saw four competing outhouses, with the win finally going to the Interlakes Community Centre Dumper.
First place in the ice sculpture contest went to Janelle Faessler’s “Jaws.”
Outhouse races
The women’s competitive division was won by Farside Fishing (Birch family), with second place going to The Country Piddler, and Interlakes Pump & Dump finished in third place.
The men’s competitive was won by Farside Fishing, with second place going to the Deka Lake & District Volunteer Fire Department’s Runny Situation, and the Highway 24/Interlakes Lions Golden Throne finished in third place.
The People’s Choice award for favourite outhouse went to Eric and Piri DeVries’ stunning “Nature Retreat” teepee.