When in Nemo...

February 26th was a cold but sunny day when people from all across the state (and a couple from Colorado and Nebraska) swarmed into town of Nemo, SD. This little town, an hour and a half from Rapid City, and any other sign of life, is home to South Dakota's only outhouse race.

I hadn't planned on going to Nemo. It was known around these parts for being one of the more "rumpus" outings that the TfA teachers put together, and I've never been a really party hard kind of gal. But  a deep chat with Scott Faris, who came to talk to my studio productions class, convinced me that if I was going to make 2011 the year of living more bravely, I would have to step outside of what made me comfortable or sounded like "my kind of thing" and seek some experiences that were foreign to me. 

I talked to Shanna and Christine, who both assured me that they were going and I wouldn't be the only sober person running around. Christine even offered to give me a lift up, and Amy said she'd bring me back. So approximately 24 hours before the actual event, I decided to go.

What was it like?

Teams build an outhouse out of any material they want. They used skis, children's bicycles, wagons, and a few were built entirely from scratch. Every team picks a theme and they both decorate their outhouse and also dress up in costumes from that theme. Almost all of the themes are either bathroom or beer related. Some were pretty gross, others were cute or hilarious. 

The "Not-TfA" team chose Harry Squatter, and had a theme of which JK Rowlings would have been proud.

 While others had traditional wooden outhouses...       or fiesta themes....

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We had lots of people dressed as wizards and even a few specific HP Characters...

 Sometimes the Dumbledoors have to conference. Other times they coach the runners

 

The contest involves two parts. The first involves winning the hearts of the crowd- Harry Squatter came ready for this. We bedecked anyone who'd let us in burgandy and gold beads, arm badges, and patches on their backs. There were events for the children, and we may have recruited some of our biggest supporters from the shovel race and snow man contest. 

The second part of the contest is the actual race. Each team pushes, pulls, or drags their outhouse around a track that's covered in ice and snow, involves four corners, and one scary hill. 

 

Each team is timed and only one can win.

 The Harry Squatters ran like the wind....

 And were victorious!

 All in all, a fantastic weekend with some great people!