Outhouse racing comes to Van Zandt County

The first outhouse race in Van Zandt County will take place Feb. 6 at the Grand Saline Buzzard Festival.

Outhouse racing has been a part of festivals for many years in the northern part of the country but Grand Saline Main Street officials believe the Buzzard Festival will be the first in Van Zandt County.

The World Championship Outhouse Races has taken place in Virginia City, Nev., for the past 26 years.

Participants build an outhouse on wheels then teams of up to five people push or pull the decorated outhouse the length of the designated racetrack.

One member of the team must ride – sitting, of course – in the outhouse.

Grand Saline Police Chief Justin Collins said the GSPD is working on their outhouse.

Grand Saline Main Street Director Lisa Morrison said she is very excited that local non-profit groups are sponsoring events at the Buzzard Festival and the money raised will go back to the non-profits.

The Friends of the Library will be sponsoring karaoke. The VFW will host a 42 Tournament.

Grand Saline Main Street is sponsoring a road-kill cook-off.

There will be a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Grand Saline Chamber of Commerce, a Rat Rod Car show sponsored by the Salt Shaker Car Club and the Children’s Shelter in Van Zandt County will sponsor is sponsoring the Outhouse Race.

Entry into the outhouse race is $25 with all the proceeds going back to the Children’s Shelter.

Quirky award trophies will be presented for the fastest and the most creative outhouses.

Registration information for the Outhouse Race can be obtained at the Grand Saline Main Street office, Grand Saline Salt Palace Museum or by emailing Kerry Cartier at disasterguy@wildblue.net.

Other events slated for the day include a hairy legs contest, buzzard calling competition, Mr. and Mrs. Old Buzzard pageant, wagon rides, tours of buzzards’ roost and a parade.

For more information about the festival, call 903-962-5631 or follow Grand Saline Main Street on Facebook.