Sliding, tumbling down Sugar Hill
Competitors lined up their barstools, bouncy horses, outhouses and hot rods at the top of Main Street in Martin City for the 39th annual barstool races Saturday.
Racers mounted their homemade rides on skis, then waited for the signal and a big push before going sliding, tumbling and scooting down Sugar Hill.
The rules were simple: pushers wait for the green light and stay behind the orange line; and racers try to make it to the bottom.
“Oh, yeah, there’s no question we’re going to win,” said Garrett Scallen of the four-man “Fever Cabin” team. Scallen and his teammates, Vince Erickson, James Jurva and Alex Negron, built their own outhouse on skis, complete with toilet paper and illustrations, for this year’s competition.
Donning matching red long john underwear, the team prepared for their turn, laughing and passing around beers. However, there were a few holes in their wardrobe plan.
“This thing really gives you the breeze,” Negron said, tugging at his butt-flap.
Other teams rode cardboard castles in princess costumes, a toboggan sled in Big Bird and Minions onesies, and a one-of-a-kind “Twisted Tea” hot rod.
The hot-rod tea bottle, built by Tanner Perry and Noland Emerson, won a close race against a ski-mounted bicycle.
While some competitors focused on the race, riding traditional barstools on skis, others focused on the fun of the ride, taking the time to crack open a cold one on the way down.
One returning competitor mixed sport and spirit.
Nic Lee, representing Glacier Distilling in Coram, raced on a genuine North American white oak whiskey barrel. After the race, Lee said the barrel would be filled with their Cabin Fever spiced brandy and stored to age for a year.
“But first, it’s going to be seasoned with some local flavor,” Lee said before taking his turn to tumble down the hill.
The $20 entry fee for racers along with the button passes went to benefit the Canyon Quick Response Unit, Martin City Volunteer Fire Department, Canyon Kids Christmas fund and other local organizations.
Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.