Outhouse Races, Chili Cook-Off today

Main Street Van Wert information

A new event to downtown Van Wert this morning as four local businesses have built and decorated outhouses in a variety of shapes and sizes. Presented by Main Street Van Wert, this year’s edition of the Harvest Moon Festival brings the first-ever Outhouse Races & Chili Cook-off to downtown along Central Avenue Saturday morning, October 3.

Organizers judged and analyzed entrants in the first-ever Outhouse Races Friday evening in the city parking lot just north of Wassenberg Art Center. Here, Event Committee members Dennis Cummings and Ernie Geyer weigh an entry to ensure it follows race regulations. The Outhouse Races will be held this morning, from 10 a.m.-noon on East Central Avenue, following by the Chili Cook-Off. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent) — Organizers judged and analyzed entrants in the first-ever Outhouse Races Friday evening in the city parking lot just north of Wassenberg Art Center. Here, Event Committee members Dennis Cummings and Ernie Geyer (in light blue shirts) weigh an entry to ensure it follows race regulations. The Outhouse Races will be held today, from 10 a.m.-noon on East Central Avenue. *(Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)*

Competing teams this year include Todd Wallace Plumbing LLC, Straley Realty & Auctioneers Inc., Truly D’vine Bread Company, and Alexander & Bebout Inc. to vie for the title of first place finisher.

“This will be a fun event to watch, cheer on the racers and sample the delicious hot chili,” remarked Shelly Becker, owner of the Embroidery Coop and a member of the MSVW Event Committee. “We think families and the community will really enjoy this, and we hope to keep growing the event each fall.”

Along with chili to sample, coffee and warm apple cider will be available to help battle the brisk fall weather.

Each of the racing teams were required to deliver its outhouse Friday evening, where Event Committee members inspected them to ensure they meet the racing criteria, and volunteer judges scored them in the categories of “Best Decorated”, “Most Innovative use of Materials”, and “Ugliest Outhouse”. Spectators on Saturday morning will be able to vote for their favorite outhouse, and a “People’s Choice” award will also be presented.

Refreshments will be available leading up to the races, which begin at 10 a.m. today. Only two teams will race at a time, with a short break between each race. The event is expected to last until noon, with a brief awards presentation following the last race.

This new event is made possible through the generous sponsorship from Chet Straley, broker/auctioneer with Straley Realty & Auctioneers Inc.; Alexander & Bebout Inc.; and Elmco Engineering.

POSTED: 10/03/15 at 7:31 am. FILED UNDER: News