A walk on the wacky side

WILLOW — Almost before began, this year’s outhouse race at the Willow Carnival Saturday was over.

At the end of the five-minute race, the defending champion Schachle family had walked away with first prize. They’d pulled their outhouse, the “Schachle S— House” to an early and commanding lead far out in front of the field.

“It’s fun getting out here together,” said a very out of breath Jared Schachle, whose efforts out front, with a rope tied to his belt pulling the outhouse seemed to carry the day.

The carnival is in its 48th year. Saturday was its second day. It continues today and next weekend. Events today include a cribbage tournament, sawing contests, and competitions for best beard and most abused Carhartts.

Next weekend brings snowmachine shows, ski and bike races, a chess tournament and an axe throw, among other things. A schedule is available online at waco-ak.org.

This year, as in years past, the Outhouse Race stole the show.

It began a bit behind schedule. Race organizer Valarie Schachle – related to the winning team but not a member of it — joked that the racers were on “Willow Time.”

She had to find someone to ride in the outhouse that eventually came in third – the “TP” team from the Willow Trading Post.

Afterward, she said she was very proud of the tournament. Prior to last year, the competition had hit a bit of a slump, at times drawing only two entrants.

Last year, though, there were four, which was more than most years. This year’s six entries were even more than the track could handle. Teams had to jockey for position as they raced around the playground behind the Willow Community Center.

“We’re going to make the track wider next year,” Schachle joked.

She said the prize money — $50 for first, $35 for second and $15 for third – all came from the like-minded sponsor — Alpine Septic and Pumping Inc.

Though this year’s carnival is young yet, she said her favorite part so far was probably the fireworks.

Some folks told her afterward they were better than the Statehood Anniversary fireworks in Anchorage. There’s something to be said, she thinks, for watching fireworks up close.

“We were standing there and they were right over our head,” Schachle said.

Contact Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.