Outhouse Races, Chili Cook-off planned

Main Street VW information

Call it soapbox derby racing for adults or call it an outhouse on wheels, but now is the time to register one’s family, friends or company to participate in a fun and competitive new event this fall. The promotions committee of Main Street Van Wert is presenting Outhouse Races & Chili Cook-off for Saturday, October 3, with cruise-in and outhouse judging to take place the evening of Friday, October 2.

This event will pit teams of costumed racers and/or decorated outhouses against each other for the chance to win cash prizes and other awards. One person rides and the remaining team members push, pull or drag the decorated outhouses down the course.

This event is free to the public to watch and should be quite the spectacle. Two outhouses will race at a time in double-elimination format, providing for an entertaining day of racing.

The first place Golden Throne cash prize is sponsored by Chet Straley, broker/auctioneer with Straley Realty & Auctioneers Inc.  Along with cash prizes for second- and third-place racers, awards will be presented for Best Decorated, Most Innovative Materials and Ugliest. A “People’s Choice” award will be selected through spectator voting.

Teams should consist of at least three members, with a maximum of five. Each outhouse might be decorated with a theme or be designed to promote a company or product. For those businesses or families interested in constructing an outhouse to enter, a full registration packet is available at the MSVW office, from Promotions Committee members or online at www.MainStreetVanWert.org. Event rules and outhouse specifications are provided in the packet.

Van Wert area churches should have received an invitation to participate in the Chili Cook-Off, but there is no limit to the number of entries for this event. Churches are encouraged to serve the race teams and sell baked goods to spectators throughout the event.

For more details or to enter the Chili Cook-off, call Shelly at 440.523.0387 or email theembroiderycoop@yahoo.com.