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The Great Outhouse Races
February 17 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Join us for the exciting Outhouse Races, taking place on Saturday, February 17, 2024 in Sapphire, NC!
Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt! You won’t find Outhouse Races on Snow anywhere else in North Carolina! Dozens of homemade outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes or coasts across the finish line. The Outhouse Races have been named a “Top 20” event by Southeast Tourism Society.
The event begins at 11 a.m. with food service and drinks available for purchase (or you may bring a picnic). Live music and a static parade happen before the races begin at 3 p.m.
WHAT ARE OUTHOUSE RACES?
Homemade outhouses may be made of wood, cardboard, plastic or any other homemade items. There are three people to a team. The outhouses are secured on a set of skis which are pushed by two team members, while one team member “sits” inside. The race course is a two-lane track on packed snow (or ice), with two teams racing head to head over approximately 120 feet (40 yards), with the first 30 feet being propelled by the pushers and the last 90 using gravitational power. This event is as exciting as Drag Racing – if you use your imagination. The outhouses can be simple, or as elaborate and creative as desired!