After going through a few years of seemingly nothing but bad news in the town of Twain Harte, the town has turned to outhouses for an economic revival.
Mike Lawrence and Terry Northcutt of the Twain Harte Rotary were Friday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.
After a successful debut last year, the 2nd Annual Royal Flush Crapper Derby returned to Twain Harte on Saturday June 6th, from 9 AM through 5 PM.
Spokesperson Lawrence explained, “Over the past few years, Twain Harte was hit hard by the economic recession, the lack of snow, the smoke and threat of the Rim Fire in the summer of 2013, the Government shutdown of Yosemite National Park and most recently the loss of Twain Harte Lake. We wanted to do something new.. something that would bring the crowds back to our beautiful town.”
Northcutt chimed in, “We wanted to do something completely different. No poker race or golf tournament. We knew there could be very little more original, unique and fun than to hold outhouse races. And the result? Last year, 12 teams participated and the crowds were enthusiastic and we knew we had ourselves an annual event.”
The event captured the attention of the statewide media including the Los Angeles Times newspaper. Last Tuesday June 2nd, KMAX television (channel 31) from Sacramento broadcast live segments during the morning from Twain Harte.
This year, the entire day was filled with numerous events, music, crafts, food, races and a parade.
The majority of the events took place in and near Eproson Park and it’s a fundraiser for Twain Harte Rotary.
The Parade, announced by Mark Corona of KKBN 93.5 FM, began at 9 am in downtown Twain Harte and followed the same route as the Twain Harte Christmas Parade.
During the day, there was a Mr. & Mrs. Tidy Bowl Contest, a Toilet Seat Toss and Children’s Activities.
Numerous vendors were on hand and live music will filled the air.
During all of this, two outhouses at a time raced throughout the day until a winner was crowned during a 5 p.m. ceremony.
The first place winner received a paid entry to the World Championship Outhouse Races in Virginia City, Nevada, this October.
Outhouse racing teams consist of a driver (or rider) and two pushers. Race rules and outhouse specifications are located on www.twainharterotary.com.
The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard every weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 AM.
