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File Photo The event is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., this Saturday, and will last until around 4 p.m., although that time is still fluid.
The Great Outhouse Races at Sapphire Ski Valley is making its return after being canceled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event, which has been a staple point of the community for 15 years, is set for this Saturday, Feb. 19, and is expected to bring in a large wave of visitors to Sapphire and the surrounding areas.
“We had probably between 800 to 1,200 people at the last one we had,” Sapphire Valley director of marketing Linda Foxworth said.
The event is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., and will last until around 4 p.m., although that time is still fluid.
“The way it works is that you can rent out houses and fill out paperwork and everything up until 1:30 p.m.,” Foxworth said. “At 2 p.m., we have what we call a static parade, which is when everybody picks up their houses and carries them to the top of the hill they’ll be racing from. Then at 3 pm, the race starts and is usually over around 4 p.m. or a little after.”
The race is planned to take place on Sapphire Valley Ski Resort’s “Bunny Hill,” which is about 350 feet long with a 50-foot vertical drop. The racers will ride their outhouse down the slope and the first one to reach the finish line wins. There are first, second, and third place winners.
The race itself is not the only form of competition however. Prior to the race beginning, the registered outhouses are judged based on their design.
“The way they are judged is a big mason jar is placed in front of each outhouse,” Foxworth said. “And people vote for their favorite house with dollar bills. Whoever gets the most dollar bills wins.”
The races began about 15 years ago by locals who were looking for something fun to do in the quiet winter months.
“It’s kind of an original thing,” Foxworth said. “About 15 years ago, there weren’t as many people here in the winter time and there wasn’t a lot going on. Some of the guys decided they needed to do something to have a good time and they came up with the outhouse races. It turned out to be just one big party.”
Anyone looking to participate in this party can do so by building their own outhouses or renting one from the ski resort. Registration fees for outhouse rentals are $125 and if you build your own it’s $100. Partial proceeds from the registration fees are donated to a local charity and this year it will be Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in Cashiers.
“The outhouse race donates to a different local charity every year,” Foxworth said. “Sometimes it’s the Boys and Girls Club, this year it is Fishes and Loaves, but we pick a different one every year.”
Admission to the race is free and there are refreshments and live music available all day long. This year’s musical performers include the Jackson Taylor Band and Spalding McIntosh and the Lionhearts. BBQ and hotdogs will be sold by Sapphire Valley Master Association and Highland Brewing Company will be selling drinks and giving away T-shirts. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the fun.
A full agenda can be found on Sapphire Valley’s website at skisapphirevalley.com/great-outhouse-races-ski-sapphire. For more information and guidelines on registering or renting an outhouse, contact Sapphire Valley Ski Resort at 743-7663 or visit the Community Center located on the resort.
- By Kaylee Cook