Racing toilets return

The World Championship Outhouse Races return Saturday and Sunday to Virginia City, honoring part of the town's history.

The event commemorates a time when new ordinances banning outdoor toilets were placed in effect. The townspeople were so outraged by this, that they grabbed their outhouses and took to the streets marching in protest to city hall.

"This event is a lot of fun with the races starting at the Bucket of Blood," said Rich Crombie, event organizer and owner of Plan It Big Events. "There will be eight to 10 teams each racing 100 feet. Races will be conducted in heats, both Saturday and Sunday."

The event is free to the public and begins with the official parade of outhouses at noon Saturday followed by a double elimination tournament from 1-5 p.m. Second rounds of the competition and the final race for the championship take place at noon Sunday. All races take place on C Street.

The public will have the opportunity to vote for the ugliest, the prettiest, the most unusual outhouses and more, during the People's Choice Awards on Saturday.

There are also a few outhouses available to borrow if anyone wants to put together a team, Crombie said, adding there are three entry classes: Overall classic, classic class and saloon class. All entrants must be at least 18 years old and cost is $50 per team.

"The best combination is a three-person team, with the smallest person seated inside and two pushing," he said.

With such glorious titles as The Urinator, The Golden Throne, Potty Poopers, Flapper Crappers and Haunted Outhouses, decorated to match their names, it's no wonder the event continues to be an annual favorite.

Outhouses will be displayed between heats in the pit at The Bucket of Blood parking lot.

In conjunction with the Outhouse Races, Virginia City businesses host their annual sidewalk sales, offering a great retail therapy opportunity.

"This is a perfect time to shop early for Christmas and at substantial savings," Crombie said. "It's just such a hilariously funny event for the entire family to enjoy."

All entry fees go to the Virginia City Convention & Tourism Authority to help fund the event and promote the living history of The Comstock. For entry forms and rules, go to VisitVirginiaCityNV.com. For more information on this event, to put a team together or to inquire about sponsoring a team, e-mail Crombie at rich@planitbigevents.com or call (775) 240-7958.

WHAT: World Championship Outhouse Races

WHEN: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday; noon Sunday

WHERE: C Street in Virginia City