Mayor Jeff Genung has plunged the Town of Cochrane into a competition with other political leaders to see who will sit atop the porcelain throne.
Genung is running in a special grudge match with the mayors of Brooks and Airdrie as part of Cochrane’s 2019 Outhouse Races on Aug. 25. The event is a fundraiser to help build an inclusive playground at the Girl Guides Camp Jubilee.
“The races showcase Cochrane’s community-spirit and brings businesses and residents together for good-natured fun in support of a local charity,” says Mayor Jeff Genung. “It is great to see mayors from other communities and our local federal and provincial representatives pull together to support the Girl Guides.”
While it's all in good fun and will support a worthy cause, Genung's competitive spirit means he won't hesitate to wipe the floor with his challengers. His speedy bowl is being described as "no throwaway effort: it was built for speed by a team of local technology experts at 4iiii Innovations."
Members of Cochrane town council are also racing a COLT outhouse in another heat; opponents to be determined. Town council’s outhouse entry showcases Cochrane On-Demand Local Transit (COLT), the town’s soon-to-be-launched transit system.
The annual Outhouse Races pits two five-person teams in heats along Cochrane’s Main Street. Four team members grip the biffy from the outside and run while another person takes a seat inside. Proceeds of the event go to local charities.
Teams are also being led by Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards and Cochrane-Airdrie MLA Peter Guthrie.
Both Richards and Guthrie said they are proud to be supporting the Outhouse Races this year.
“The Cochrane Outhouse Races have become such a significant part of Cochrane’s identity. Every year, this event – with all its charm and amusement – keeps growing. I certainly applaud every effort made by members of our community to build community spirit and raise funds for important projects. Time after time, we’ve seen these Outhouse Races lift our spirits in-support of incredible initiatives and projects in the community," said Richards, adding he is looking forward to seeing the new and creative costumes and chariots that participants and spectators arrive in.
I look forward to running a lively race with Peter, we’ll be keeping him occupied all the way to the finish line. You never know quite what to expect, but I’ll have a strong team beside me and maybe even a roll of tricks up my sleeve,” Richards said.
Guthrie is also proud to support the races this year and to be helping to raise funds for Camp Jubilee.
"We are participating to support a popular community event that is fun for the entire family," said Guthrie. "We are proud to be a small part of this worthy cause."
He said Richards better be prepared to bring his "A" game or he will be left in the dust.
"Team Richards better bring the heat because if you ain't first yer last," Guthrie added.
Dan Kroffat, of Cochrane wrestling fame, who is hosting the event alongside former Stampeder and all-star Jon Cornish, said there is a lot to draw the crowds this year.
He said McDonald's is helping with a big breakfast in the morning and bleachers, a first for the event, will give spectators a great vantage point to watch the races.
Cochrane Toyota is also donating a car to raffle off. Kroffat said if all the tickets sell during the races, the draw will be made that day. Otherwise, the draw will be held on Oct. 5 during the Monumental Tournament of Aces – the final fundraising event in support of Camp Jubilee.
This year's Outhouse Races event has joined forces with the Cochrane Rotary Club to raise money for the Girl Guides Camp Jubilee. It is the second of three major events aiming to raise in excess of $100,000 to help the Girl Guides build an all-inclusive playground. The first event, Cochrane's Community Builder evening in honour of Alex Baum, Cochrane Toyota owner and Rotary Club of Cochrane president, exceeded expectations by raising $75,000.
Kroffat is hoping to see $20,000 raised during the Outhouse Races, adding he has heard hints from some corporate donors who might be bringing in significant donations on the weekend.
Kroffat also donated the $500 referee fee he was offered from the Cochrane Fair's Ladder Wrestling match to the Camp Jubilee cause.
