By Brendan Kyle Jure – 100 Mile Free Press
Interlakes is getting ready to go the races on Feb. 11; the Outhouse races that is. The event is at the Interlakes Service Centre on Highway 24.
Teams of three must build a portable outhouse allowing two of them to push or pull it to the finish line, while the third person must sit inside the mobile john. A pusher is required to switch with the squatter halfway through the 200-foot race.
There are four classes; men, women, mixed and kids.
All outhouses need to follow the competition specifications and are required to have skis for sledding. Other than that, competitors have the freedom to get as creative as they want with their skiing latrine.
“This year we’re encouraging families to come out and dress up and we’re doing a Valentines family weekend kind of theme,” said Jil Freeman, one of the organizers.
A special presentation will open up the race with the Lions Club’s outhouse being retired after the local chapter dissolved in late 2017.
“We’re trying to honour them for the 40 something years they have been involved with the community,” said Freeman.
An ice sculpture contest will also be happening, where people can compete for a $300 prize. This year, contestants will be given more time to finish the sculpture. Instead of only working on it the day during the races, they will be allowed to start their endeavour the day prior.
The snow, while making the race easier for those racing, isn’t that dependant on the weather.
“I don’t think it’s going to be that much of an issue,” said Freeman. “We usually make everything else work. I don’t want people to not come because they think there’s not enough snow.”
Attendees can also vote for the People’s Choice Award for Best Outhouse and Best Snow Sculpture.
Sleigh rides, hot chocolate and hot dogs will also be available.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the first race start at 11 a.m.
If anyone is interested in volunteering for the event they can contact Jil Freeman at 250-593-4244 or by emailing info@freelinesigns.com.
Nordics Fun Day
The 100 Mile Nordics are hosting Family Day Fun at the Nordic’s Winter Activity Centre on the 99 Mile Hill on Monday Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They want people to bring their family, friends, and neighbours and have fun skiing or snowshoeing. There’ll also be a story walk for young children on the Adventure Trail. You can warm up and socialize around a bonfire and enjoy a yummy bowl of home-made soup and bun in the day lodge for $5.
There’ll be free one hour classic ski lessons at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pre-registration for lessons is preferred. Please call the day lodge to have your name added. Ski and snowshoe Trail passes will be free. Equipment rentals will be available.
Lake of the Trees
The Lake of the Trees are having a free family day event on Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
People are invited to bring their sleds, skates and friends for some sledding, skating, bonfires and hot cocoa.
There’ll be a lunch at $12 p.m. of hot soup and buns with a suggested $5 to $10 donation per person.
People are asked not to bring their pets. Visit www.lakeofthetrees.com for directions.