Who Will Flush Out Who in This Year's Outhouse Races?!

One of Cochrane's most fun, quirkiest events is coming back to Historic Main Street this Saturday (September 29).

The running of the commodes has been occurring for eighteen years and you can bet the streets will once again be cushioned two deep with onlookers cheering on their favourite team.

Teams of five and their fully functional toilet on wheels will be running for fast or funny, in costume or without, to prove that they are the King or the Queen of the throne.

Dan Kroffat, announcer for the races shares the zany 'chariot on wheels' race is all about humour. "The Outhouse Races are really to take your mind off of all the negativity in the world and really give you that period where you can just say, 'we're going to escape and have some fun today'."

Hoping to see lots of children at the event, Kroffat, says this year's beneficiary will be 'Variety Alberta' in support of an accessible-for-all playground at Centennial Park. "We have lots for the kids to do and this year I thought we should make this into a kid's theme. The reason being is because Fireside (School) put together their all-inclusive playground and they were very successful and Centennial Park is unfinished, but it's getting closer. Variety Alberta is working very hard at getting it done and as a community, if we can come together, we can raise the money that is necessary to get them closer to the finish line."

Looking to raise $20,000, Kroffat, says even if you are not running there will be an opportunity provided to community members to contribute. "Before we run the championship race between the two finalists, we're going to have a fifteen-minute break where we will give anyone who would like to make a donation the opportunity. I have been told there are about three or four corporations wanting to make a donation and that is why we are providing the donation period. We will appeal to the crowd so we want you to come down and support the Centennial Park Playground."

Another highlight, shares Kroffat, will be the faceoff between the Town of Cochrane Council and Rocky View County Council members with fun rivalries making this one of the town's top premiere events. "I would, personally, like us to invite other districts and other towns to challenge our teams here. I could see over the years that we could really build this into quite an event that could become international."

Breakfast from Cochrane McDonald's will kick off the morning and children will be able to take in some fun activities on the sidelines. Face painting and characters from Star Wars will be down on Historic Main, along with a special surprise. "John Cornish and I, have a big surprise for the kids and we're not going to tell anybody but we've got a special surprise for them that we're going to provide probably halfway through the show."

Giving credit to all those involved, Kroffat, shares it is all about community. "It is a team effort. I don't believe one individual can make things like this happen, you need everyone pulling together.

Races begin at 10 bells but head down early for breakfast which will be available from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Coffee will be served throughout the morning as the forecast looks to be on the chilly side.