Hootin an Hollarin outhouse race is Friday afternoon

For those who really need to go, the Hootin an Hollarin outhouse race fills a thrilling need. 

This one-of-a-kind competition, also sponsored by the Gainesville PTO and open to those age 10 and older, combines athleticism and laugh-invoking urgency. It can be especially thrilling, given that spectators closely line the race course and the racing vehicle, the ultimate in “portable” potties, has no brakes and no steering.

The runs start in front of City Hall. Teams streak to the stop sign on the opposite side of the square, pushing on past it before making a quick change of riders. Then they bring ’er home, skidding over the finish line back at City Hall  for the victory - or not.

 The 2025 race will be held around 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, immediately after the bed races, and teams are encouraged to participate in both events. There’s no entry fee. 

Cash prizes will be given to first, second and third place teams in the timed event. 

Call chairperson Paula Rose for more information (417-989-1282). 

Sign up forms are available at the Ozark County Times office. Last-minute entries are welcome.

Teams can be school, community or business groups, families, friends or strangers. You just need four pushers and a rider agile enough to hop off the pot halfway through the race and swap places with a pusher. 

Sturdy running shoes are recommended, as are creative team names – but race coordinator Paula Rose reminds teams  their name “must be something that can be announced to the crowd.”