The 9th Ever Outhouse Classic Race in Trenary, Michigan held in 2002




Get Dressed to Da Nines at the 9th Ever Outhouse Classic in Trenary, Michigan
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Here's where it all happens in Trenary, Michigan

Welcome to Trenary, Michigan
Home of Da 9th Ever Outhouse Classic!

Some of the local entertainment establishments
Photo by M. Becker

The 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge connects Upper Michigan to Lower Michigan
Photo by M. Becker

On the way to Trenary; A sign lets you know the Outhouse Classic is just ahead!
Photo by M. Becker

Here is a view of the race track at the 9th ever Outhouse Classic.

The track and a waving American flag
Photo by M. Becker

This photo was taken on the way home in front of this great outhouse. The back was rotted out and inside was a "petrified" bag of lime complete with a scoop sitting on top of it!

The Curator of the Outhouses of America Tour
Photo by M. Becker

The Outhouses That Received Awards

People's Choice - Pirates of the Carippean Munising, MI

Most Humorous - Freedom Toots Little Lake, MI

Best use of Theme - Ladies Room Munising, MI

Best Presentation - Pirates of the Carippean Munising, MI

Most Original - Boyne Party Palace Boyne Falls, MI

Most Miles Traveled - Hobo Hut Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Race Results and Times

Kids 12 and under

1st Place - Midnight Special: 14.41 Seconds
Jackson, MI Carrie & Eddie Sedlacek

2nd Place - Da Golden Throne: 15.72 Seconds
Munising, MI Scott Prunick and Brandon Goings

3rd Place - Rapid River Rockets: 16.71 Seconds
Rapid River, MI Mike Begovac and Nolan Harris

Adults Category

Ages 13 - 30

Ages 31 - 49

1st Place - Royal Flush: 24.75 Seconds
DePere, WI
Pushers: Mark and Paul

1st Place - Freedom Toot: 28.13 Seconds
Little Lake, MI
Pushers: Ron Genshaw and Brian

2nd Place - Bud Boys: 26.33 Seconds
Marquette, MI
Pushers: Chris Gagnon and Nick Hamari

2nd Place - Porta John Deere: 30.79 Seconds
Marquette, MI
Pushers: Brian Griffith and David Manson

3rd Place - Stan's Dry Dock: 26.94 Seconds
Harvey, MI
Pushers: Rick Garrow and Ryan Stern

3rd Place - Smoking Outhouse: 30.87 Seconds
Birch Run, MI
Pushers: Jim Pollick and Dave Sutton

Race Results and Times

Adults 50 and over

1st Place - Smoking Outhouse: 30.51 Seconds
Birch Run, MI Pushers: Skip Diamond and Gill Trato

2nd Place - Outhouse Ballroom: 51.01 Seconds
Marquette, MI Pushers: Kathy and Sam L'Huillier

3rd Place - Pokalot of Twat: 113.28 Seconds
Gladstone, MI Pushers: Tiny Twat and Tight Twat

We Race Outhouses

Dress to Da Nines
at the 9th Outhouse Classic
ONLY IN TRENARY, MICHIGAN!

  What is the Outhouse Classic? Build an outhouse with wood and/or cardboard, put in a toilet seat & roll of toilet paper, mount it on skis and PUSH it 500 feet to WIN! They even give an Outhouse Classic Tshirt with every paid entry (2 pushers per entry).
  Where is The Outhouse Classic held? Trenary, Michigan
  When is the Outhouse Classic held? The last weekend of February.
  How do I get there from here? In Michigan, drive North on I-75 to Mackinac City, MI. Cross the Mackinac Bridge to St. Ignace and head West on Route 2. Eventually you come to Rapid River, MI. From there, head North on US 41 for about 19 Miles and watch for the signs to the Outhouse Classic! Nearest Airport is Escanaba, MI.
Who can race and is there anything else to do?
  Kids Race (Ages 6 to 12): Size of the outhouse must be 18" x 24" x 40" tall. Attach 12" push bars on each side for safety. Skis or toboggan allowed for runners. You must register by noon; race starts at 1:00 PM. Cash prices for 1st - 3rd Place
  Adult Race (2 age categories): Minimum size must be 3' x 4' x 6' tall on skis only! (Push bars, not to exceed 16", recommended.) Cash prices for 1st - 3rd Place
  Volleyball: Played on a snow field with orange lines painted on the snow.
Be creative and get judged on your workmanship, presentation, most humorous idea, miles most traveled and closest to theme ideas of your outhouse.

OK. Enough advertising. Let's get down to my viewpoint of this event...
Being the Curator of the Outhouses of America tour, I thought it only fitting that I make the pilgrimage up to Trenary again this year to see what this year's event would be like. We departed Detroit on Friday morning and arrived at the motel in Gladstone, Michigan before 5 PM. Since we got in early, we decided to drive all the way down to Marinette, WI to experience the best hamburgers in the world at Mickey - Lu Bar - B - Q on Highway 41 on the south side of Marinette, Wisconsin. This year I topped my old record. I ate 7 hamburgers and a half of a Bratwurst. My brother-in-law couldn't believe it! They are still the best and the prices are still just over a dollar a hamburger. They are the best. The owner cooked them for me over the charcoal and he was very gracious.
Best Hamburgers and Bratwurst in the World!

Best Hamburgers and Bratwurst in the World!

This year Michigan has NOT gotten a ton of snow so I was worried about the races this year. No need to worry. Trenary had snow. Total mileage to get there: 438 miles! I still can't believe I drove 438 miles to see Outhouses Racing down Main Street of Trenary, Michigan on skis. I was NOT disappointed. It was the Best Ever again this year!

This year Toivo Aho (Outhouse Classic Committee President) and Sherry (Outhouse Classic Secretary) promised me they would put up a platform again for photography since I take the official video that is shown each year in the tavern. Sure enough, when I got there on Saturday the platform was there. It is shown above in the picture along with the finish line and Toivo. The trophies for the race winners are hand made by a local craftsman. T-shirts, sweatshirts, buttons, headbands and various other souvenirs were on sale inside the yellow tent next to the bars on Saturday. The Outhouse Committee this year was chaired by Toivo. It usually switches off between Toivo Aho and Rollie Oullette. Toivo is very nice to talk to and very courteous. This event is just like many other events; it is hard to find volunteers to be on the Outhouse Committee because it is hard work to organize it every year.
On Saturday, we arrived in Trenary around noon and took many of the pictures you see on this page. My brother-in-law decided to make the trip with me and it really helped me out a lot. I was able to concentrate on the video and he took the pictures. This year the weather did NOT cooperate. Just before the races began, a stiff wind picked up from the South along with wet snow. The whole time I was taking video, driving snow was hitting the lens making it very difficult to get good video. In some of the pictures you can see melted snow on the lens. A copy of the video is shown on the big screen inside the Trenary Tavern beginning on the Sunday following the race. On race day, there are people everywhere playing volleyball on the snow, drinking all kinds of "beverages", walking down Main St. and talking amongst themselves. A local radio station was there again this year and had speakers mounted to many poles and they announced the races.
The first racers to head down the track were the kids. I think there were around 5 or 6 entries and they were really funny to watch. People were lining the track all the way from the start to the finish line and beyond. The kids race about 200 feet. This year, the perch they built for me at the finish line resulted in a great video. I could take the video from start to finish and get the racers reactions after they crossed the finish line.
The race track on Main St.

Around 2 PM, the real action begins. The crowd this year had to top 3500 people. The adults push the outhouses 500 feet down Main St. and all kinds of strategies are used. Some pulled, some pushed, some had one pusher in the front on one side and at the back on the other side. The correct way to push the Outhouses is to have two people in the back, pushing, which is very hard to do. Just think about it; you have to run at top speed down a snow covered surface. How do you get traction? Some used spikes or golf shoes; others fell! This year was no exception; many outhouses kept going off the track on one side or the other. I attributed that to uneven pushing. In some cases, the racers stopped to "mingle" with the crowd.
Way before the races; A good shot of what the track looks like

Way before the races; A good shot of what the track looks like

The young adults (aged 13-30)raced first followed by the "kids" aged 31-49 and then the older adults. This year, I had many favorites, including the Pirates of the Carippean entry. This outhouse took the place of the Pooper Trooper entry last year. This entry won the People's Choice and Best Presentation awards and it deserved it. They had a recording of "What do you do with a drunken sailor" going and it was complete with a Pirate sitting in the ship with a peg leg peeing all the way down the track. It was FUNNY!!!!
So what will be on tap for next year? Only time will tell but if the weather is good, you just might find me at the 10th Ever Outhouse Classic Races again! Being this will be the 10th year, anything goes and who knows what will be in store? I was contacted by Fox Sports this year and they may put some of my footage on their show "You Gotta See This". We shall see...
One last thing: I have told many people about the Outhouse Races in Trenary and I can't tell you how many times I heard the comment "Oh, I know someone from Trenary!".


	This outhouse was across from the sign on the highway going to Trenary.
A Real Outhouse near Trenary, MI Photo by M. Becker
A closer view of the Outhouse by the cabin	A Real Outhouse Photo by M. Becker

Most Humorous Award This outhouse emitted farting sounds all the way down the track! Return to the Awards Section
	Constipation Ave. Photo by M. Becker
The Hoity Toity Photo by M. Becker	The Hoity Toity was pushed by a couple of guys and they were really having a good time!
People's Choice Award Pirates of the Carippean! Return to the Awards Section Listen to the Pirates of the Carippean Theme Song NOW while you take the tour! I was hoping the girls would come up with another winning entry and this year was no exception! What a hilarious outhouse complete with all the girls singing "What do you do with a Drunken Sailor" at the top of their lungs.
	The Pirates of the Carippean! Photo by M. Becker
	What do you do with a Drunken Sailor?
Pirating it up! Photo by M. Becker
Best Presentation Award Return to the Awards Section Listen to the Pirates of the Carippean Theme Song NOW while you take the tour! Here is a picture of ME with the Pirates of the Carippean. I'm the 2nd from the left with the stocking cap on and the big grin!
	Best Presentation Award The Curator of the Outhouses of America Tour with the Pirates Photo by M. Becker
	This was a funny entry. This entry is from a bar in Marquette, MI. After the races I stopped by to talk to one of the girls from the bar. She told me that women come to the bar and take off their bras and then, after signing them, the bras are hung up inside! She told me they sell more Budweiser than any other bar in the UP.
Flying Bra Outhouse Photo by M. Becker
Here's another view of the outhouse with all the signed bras hanging in and around it.
	Another view of the flying bra outhouse Photo by M. Becker
	There was a bird house flapping in the breeze as this one was pushed by.
This one's for the birds Photo by M. Becker
The fire department in Trenary always enters the race. I think they use the same entry every year. This picture was taken just in front of the fire hall. They sell fresh hot dogs, brat's and other good food inside the fire hall. I eat there every year after the races.
	Mathias Township Fire Department Entry & cooking Brats Photo by M. Becker
	Mathias Township Fire Department Entry
Mathias Township Fire Department Entry Photo by M. Becker
1st Place - Kids Race Midnight Special Return to the Awards Section This outhouse took 1st place in the kids race.
	1st place kids entry Photo by M. Becker
	2nd Place - Kids Race Da Golden Throne Return to the Awards Section Pretty cool entry, right?
2nd place kids Photo by M. Becker
3rd Place - Kids Race Rapid River Rockets Return to the Awards Section This entry really moved but not as fast as the 1st or 2nd place teams.
	3rd Place Kids Entry Photo by M. Becker
	Check out the paint job on this kids entry.
Very artistic entry Photo by M. Becker
At the starting line ready to race.
	Ready to race Photo by M. Becker
	These kids were dressed up very nicely.
Dressed to da nines Photo by M. Becker
This kids entry was really well constructed.
	A well constructed kids entry Photo by M. Becker
	3rd Place - 31 to 49 The Smokin' Outhouse Return to the Awards Section
Smokin Outhouse Photo by M. Becker
I'm not sure what this outhouse was called but it was well constructed.
	The Flamin' Outhouse Photo by M. Becker
	This outhouse was made to look like a tuxedo.
Dressed to da 9's Photo by M. Becker
I think this was the Smokin' Outhaus entry.
	Outhaus Specials Photo by M. Becker
	This entry was a repeat from last year but wait until you see what is under the lid in the next peicture!
The Wunder Thunder Photo by M. Becker
When you picked up the lid on the Wunder Thunder, this is what you saw.
	All right!!! Someone has good aim and landed it on his hand! Photo by M. Becker
	This year People's State Bank returned with this entry. As they raced down main street, the big roll of toilet paper flew off.
The People's State Bank entry this year Photo by M. Becker
Best Use of Theme: Ladies Only complete with mens photos inside Return to the Awards Section The girls pushing this entry were dressed to da nines.
	Ladies Only in this choice outhouse Photo by M. Becker
	I'm not sure what this outhouse was called. Anyone know?
Not sure about this one Photo by M. Becker
I'm not sure about this entry either. Return to the awards section
	Could this be the Bud Boys entry? Photo by M. Becker
	This entry had a unique funnel arrangment.
Check out the funnel in this one where you sit and sh_t Photo by M. Becker
This outhouse was a repeat from last year.
	Da Many Holer Photo by M. Becker
	This outhouse was pushed by two penguins!
Da Penguin Outhouse Photo by M. Becker
This one won 3rd place in the kids entry.
	A winning kids entry Photo by M. Becker
	Chums Bar is at the races every year.
Chums Bar entry Team USA Photo by M. Becker
This was representing the King of Beers.
	The King of Beers entry Photo by M. Becker
	This outhouse had soft sides and it went pretty fast down the track.
A soft sided outhouse Photo by M. Becker
The pushers of this outhouse were dressed up like bunnys.
	Bunnys use outhouses too Photo by M. Becker
	These guys really played it up for the video and the camera. They were hilarious!
Hoity Toity characters and pushers Photo by M. Becker
I feel that again this year there were many more people viewing the races than last year. The cars were parked from Main Street all the way back to the main north - south highway West of town and about a mile the other direction. The radio station was there again this year in addition to AP, two local TV stations and at least one magazine in addition to myself representing the Outhouses of America Tour web site. Nickelodean was there too but I don't know if they did anything on the races.
	The crowd this year was bigger than ever! Photo by M. Becker
	This building was on the corning of Trenary Ave. It had paintings on the front.
One of the local buildings with paintings on the front Photo by M. Becker
This is another view of the outhouse with the funnel inside.
	Notice the skis on this outhouse Photo by M. Becker
	I think this entry was another repeat more or less from last year. I think it had something to do with a bear crapping in the woods.
Cute entry with limbs coming out of it Photo by M. Becker
This entry took 1st Place Adults 31-49 and The Most Humorous Award.
	Constipation Ave. Photo by M. Becker
	This entry took 1st Place in the adults 13-30 catagory. Return to the awards section
The Royal Flush Photo by M. Becker
This entry had a window in the back. The next picture will show the front.
	Looking through the window of the Boyne Party Palace Photo by M. Becker
	Here are the girls representing the Boyne Party Palace. It took Most Original entry. Return to the Awards Section
Boyne Party Palace Photo by M. Becker
Here is a good shot showing the decorations and the wind that was going on the day of the races.
	Check out the decorations on the Boyne Party Palace Photo by M. Becker
	Listen to the Pirates of the Carippean Theme Song NOW while you take the tour! My all time favorite, these girls do it year after year! They are always the most creative with their entry and the most entertaining.
Pirates of the Carippean singing the Drunken Sailor Song Photo by M. Becker
Here they are waiting for the start of the race.
	Pirates of the Carippean ready to roll, er, sail! Photo by M. Becker
	This entry took 1st place in the adults 31-49 category along with Most Humorous. Return to the awards section
Constipation Ave. Photo by M. Becker
I think this entry was from Dockside Marine and they took 2nd place in the adults 13-30 category.
	Dockside Marine Photo by M. Becker
	The smokin outhaus took 3rd place in the adults 31-49 category along with 1st place in the adults 50 and over category. On the right is a man who is there every year singing while he plays guitar. He is really good too! Return to the awards section
The smokin' Outhaus with some local entertainment Photo by M. Becker
Here are some of the kids entries lined up near the kids starting line.
	Some of the kids entries Photo by M. Becker
	Another view of some of the kids entries.
Close up of the kids entries Photo by M. Becker
Hey, the photographer got his thumb in the way!
	Pack 408 and a thumb! Photo by M. Becker
	Here is a shot of the penguins getting ready to race.
There are the penguins Photo by M. Becker
This was a kids entry and it was named appropriately.
	The Hershey Squirts Outhouse kids entry Photo by M. Becker
	I think this entry is from Trenary and is there every year.
The Co-op Flyer Photo by M. Becker
These guys try to make the races and have an entry every year. Their tradition is to burn their outhouse on Main St. right after the races. One of the guys had some BAD teeth all rotted out in the middle! The final piece they threw into the fire was a brand new wooden toilet seat! Return to the Awards Section
	The Hobo Hut - Most Miles Traveled Award Photo by M. Becker
	This entry won 3rd place in the adults 50 and over category. What more can be said about this entry other than the sisters introduced me to chief Pokalot of Twat who was INSIDE the outhouse sitting on the can! Return to the awards section
Chief Pokalot of Twat and the Twatski Sisters Photo by M. Becker
Here is a cute kids entry.
	The kids version of God Bless America Photo by M. Becker
	This was probably the best contructed kids outhouse there.
A well constructed kids entry ready to start their race Photo by M. Becker
This was the kids entry from Chums Bar.
	Chums Bar Kids Entry Photo by M. Becker
	This was the entry from Dockside Marine. Return to the awards section
Dockside Marine Outhouse Photo by M. Becker
Here's another view of the Boyne Party Palace. It took the Most Original Award.
	The Boyne Party Palace Photo by M. Becker
	This entry took 1st Place in the kids category.
Midnight Special Kids Outhouse Photo by M. Becker
Another view of the entry that took 3rd place in the adults 50 and over category.
	The Twatski Sisters Entry Photo by M. Becker
	Da Many Holer.
Da Many Holer Photo by M. Becker
Another View.
	Another view of Da Many Holer Photo by M. Becker
	You have to push your entry to the starting line too.
Pushing the Peoples State Bank entry Photo by M. Becker
A different view of the Wunder Thunder.
	Wunder Thunder from Down Under Photo by M. Becker
	A regular entry year after year.
Chums Bar Triple Creek Photo by M. Becker
I liked the construction style on this outhouse.
	Chums Bar Triple Creek Photo by M. Becker
	Here they are ready to begin their race.
Da Penguins are ready to race Photo by M. Becker
This outhouse was constructed with limbs coming out the roof. Return to the Top
	A most unusual outhouse ready to race Photo by M. Becker

What else can you see in the images shown? Many times a photo is worth a thousand words and I've only elaborated with a few so why don't you add some "color commentary" to my collection. If your addition is worthy, you will find the quote added on the Comments to the Curator page.

Have you seen all the Outhouses yet?