What do people do in the Interior of Alaska to celebrate the arrival of Spring? Well, you might think that we pack away our winter parkas, sweaters and heavy snow gear and pull out the best of our spring clothes. WRONG!
On this beautiful day, Mike and I ushered in the Spring season by attending the Chatanika Outhouse Races. Chatanika is an unincorporated, gold mining community 20 miles northeast of Fairbanks.
Each Spring, the Chatanika Lodge hosts Chatanika Days. During this two day festival, there are many competitions. For example, there is the Long-John Contest, a Snow Machine Tug-of-War contest and a Human Ice Bowling Contest. However, the most exciting competition of the weekend is the Outhouse Races.
Now, you may be asking yourself, “What in the world is an Outhouse Race?” First, let me say this. No, it is not a competition to see who can take the most laxatives and race from outhouse to outhouse and do their business in the shortest amount of time.
For months, a team of five people work feverishly to design and build an outhouse that will be attached to a set of skis. These outhouses must have a toilet seat and all the necessities of an outhouse (roll of toilet paper, reading material, etc…). Once attached to the skis, four team members push the outhouse and the fifth member rides inside while comfortably sitting on the “throne.” The goal of the competition is to be the fastest outhouse to cross the finish line.
Today’s competition did not disappoint. There were outhouses of all designs. One of my favorites was “Old Faithful.” The rider of “Old Faithful” was an 80 year old man who desperately wanted to be a part of this event. Another popular outhouse was the “Polished Turd.” Even the church community got involved in this one. Journey Christian Church entitled their outhouse as “The Confession Booth.” In the end, the “Ice Dogs” won the event in record time.
So, when you think about Alaska in the Spring, remember the lengthening days, the sunshine, the warming temperatures and the Chatanika Outhouse Races. Spring wouldn’t be the same without them!
On this beautiful day, Mike and I ushered in the Spring season by attending the Chatanika Outhouse Races. Chatanika is an unincorporated, gold mining community 20 miles northeast of Fairbanks.
Each Spring, the Chatanika Lodge hosts Chatanika Days. During this two day festival, there are many competitions. For example, there is the Long-John Contest, a Snow Machine Tug-of-War contest and a Human Ice Bowling Contest. However, the most exciting competition of the weekend is the Outhouse Races.
Now, you may be asking yourself, “What in the world is an Outhouse Race?” First, let me say this. No, it is not a competition to see who can take the most laxatives and race from outhouse to outhouse and do their business in the shortest amount of time.
For months, a team of five people work feverishly to design and build an outhouse that will be attached to a set of skis. These outhouses must have a toilet seat and all the necessities of an outhouse (roll of toilet paper, reading material, etc…). Once attached to the skis, four team members push the outhouse and the fifth member rides inside while comfortably sitting on the “throne.” The goal of the competition is to be the fastest outhouse to cross the finish line.
Today’s competition did not disappoint. There were outhouses of all designs. One of my favorites was “Old Faithful.” The rider of “Old Faithful” was an 80 year old man who desperately wanted to be a part of this event. Another popular outhouse was the “Polished Turd.” Even the church community got involved in this one. Journey Christian Church entitled their outhouse as “The Confession Booth.” In the end, the “Ice Dogs” won the event in record time.
So, when you think about Alaska in the Spring, remember the lengthening days, the sunshine, the warming temperatures and the Chatanika Outhouse Races. Spring wouldn’t be the same without them!
The Set Up!
The Race!
Ice Dogs (a local professional hockey team) were the winners!
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