Mackinaw City celebrates Winterfest fun

Alexis Rankin
·2 min read
Team O'Reilly's Pub and Restaurant crosses the finish line during the annual Outhouse Races as part of the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.
Team O'Reilly's Pub and Restaurant crosses the finish line during the annual Outhouse Races as part of the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

MACKINAW CITY — The entries of the 2024 Pepsi International Outhouse Race put the portable in “portable potty” during a series of competitions during which contestants raced through the snow on Saturday, Jan. 20.

The popular event, which is part of Mackinaw City's Winterfest, features teams of racers pushing and pulling their homemade vessels in the Shepler’s Ferry parking lot.

Spectators arrive at the annual Outhouse Races during the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.
Spectators arrive at the annual Outhouse Races during the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

Significant snow accumulation in the days leading up to the race made for the perfect track, as competitors maneuvered their outhouses on skis competing for the fastest time in a series of heats. Each outhouse was manned by a team of five with two individuals pulling, two pushing and one riding inside. Toilet paper was required on board.

Team "The Dixie Saloon" crosses the finish line during the annual Outhouse Races as part of the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.
Team "The Dixie Saloon" crosses the finish line during the annual Outhouse Races as part of the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

Of the series of races that took place, team “Dixie Saloon” was the only outhouse to veer off the track, but recovered to take second place overall despite the hurdle with a best time of 15.19 seconds. As second place winner, the team received $250.

The first place team was “The Welcome,” as they completed their fastest race in 13.6 seconds. They won the grand prize of $500.

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Team "The Welcome" races in the annual Outhouse Races as part of the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.
Team "The Welcome" races in the annual Outhouse Races as part of the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

Third place went to team “Yeshua Here,” and they were awarded $100.

The Best in Show honor, awarded based on spectator applause, went to team “Rudy the Beauty.” Their team competed to raise awareness and donations for Shane Rudicil, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. The award came with a $100 prize.

Team "Rudy the Beauty" crosses the finish line during the annual Outhouse Races as part of the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.
Team "Rudy the Beauty" crosses the finish line during the annual Outhouse Races as part of the Mackinaw City Winterfest in the Shepler's Ferry parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

Team “O’Reilly’s Restaurant and Pub” also competed in the event with an outhouse designed as a pot of gold.

The Mackinaw City Winterfest also includes a chili cook-off and winter obstacle course. Organizers hope to expand the races in 2025 with the addition of inflatable human hamster balls that will be available for anyone to use and race. Live music and drink specials were offered at the Dixie Saloon, located across from the eventlocation, following the outhouse races.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Mackinaw City celebrates Winterfest fun