Trenary Outhouse Classic
Discover the Whimsy and Wonder
Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2026, for the 33rd Annual Trenary Outhouse Classic, a special semiquincentennial edition. This year, the Classic joins America’s 250th birthday festivities and brings an extra boost of patriotism, pageantry and porta-potty horsepower to Main Street. Every year, the last Saturday in February, Trenary comes alive with this long-running winter tradition that lifts the season’s chill with creativity and humor.
Teams race homemade outhouses mounted on skis down a snowy track, with designs that often incorporate jokes and local themes. Since 1994, the event has drawn crowds from across the region to cheer on racers, enjoy food and drinks and support local organizations. During intermission, the annual fur hat contest takes the stage with everything from luxurious furs to playful faux creations, all focused on personality and flair.
A Semiquincentennial Celebration on Skis
While the rest of the country plans parades and fireworks, Trenary is honoring the nation’s 250th birthday the only way it knows how by pushing homemade bathrooms down Main Street at questionable speeds. This year’s official logo salutes 250 years of freedom, independence and trying not to freeze to the toilet seat in February.
Expect racers pushing hard, crowds cheering, snow flying and jokes flowing like a busted flush valve. There are several different age categories and prizes are awarded beyond the fastest time:
Squirts (ages 5–8)
Squeakers (ages 9–12)
Dingleberries (ages 13–17)
Stinkers (ages 18–35)
Da Sharts (ages 36–49)
Old Farts (ages 50+)
The Origins
This quirky event sprouted from the humorous mind of local Yooper Toivo Aho. In 1994, sitting in the Silver Dollar Bar, Toivo got inspired by an outhouse race in Washington State and proposed bringing such a race to Trenary. It was a wild idea meant to break the monotony of a long winter. The community rallied together, flush with excitement and within three weeks the first-ever Trenary Outhouse Classic was a smashing success.
Imagine a parade of homemade outhouses, each as unique as its creator, racing down Trenary's Main Street. Constructed from materials ranging from wood and cardboard to grand piano crates, these outhouses are mounted on skis and pushed by teams of two. The designs are a blend of simplicity and extravagance, some so elaborate you might wish to have them in your backyard.
Toivo’s vision did more than create a race. It fostered a tradition that continues to bring the community together in an unusual yet memorable way. His legacy is evident in the joy and laughter that fill the streets each year.
Join the Fun
The Trenary Outhouse Classic has surpassed all expectations, growing each year thanks to the community’s dedication and enthusiasm. It is a testament to the spirit of Trenary, a place that knows how to turn a chilly winter day into a warm celebration.
Follow along on Facebook for updates. Do not just read about it, experience the Trenary Outhouse Classic for yourself. Pack your sense of humor, brace for the chill and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Because on February 28, 2026, Trenary is not just racing outhouses, it is celebrating a nation one flush at a time. More information on registration, merchandise, schedules and the updated event website will be released as race day approaches.