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Bert the Conqueror joins the Outhouse Races in Alaska's Fur Rondy (video)
In the spirit of journeying during periods less traveled, I've embarked to Alaska this winter. Follow the adventures here, and prepare to have your preconceived notions destroyed along the way.
I need only say the name to pique your interest. Outhouse Races. "Is this event what I think it is?" That's the question I asked about ten minutes prior to arriving at the starting line. "Oh, yeah -- it's exactly what you think it is." That's the quip I received in return. This is the world's largest Outhouse Race, and it's held annually at Alaska's own Fur Rondy Festival. This year marked the 76th anniversary of the event, and it just seems to get better and better. Not only did 2011 mark the addition of Yukigassen to the agenda, but it also brought in The Travel Channel's own Bert the Conqueror. Bert arrived in Anchorage in order to shoot an upcoming episode of his show, and in addition to participating in a Yukigassen match, he also put together a team of friendlies to race an outhouse with him.
We won't spoil the fun for you, but suffice it to say we caught him on tape recoding an introduction for the episode-to-be as well as making a lap around the bend. We all know Bert's quite the competitor, and he definitely put his best foot forward here in Alaska's snow. Be sure to DVR his show, too -- no telling when this episode will air, but hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later.
Psst... missed our interview with Bert at Fur Rondy? Catch up here!
My trip was sponsored by Alaska Travel Industry Association, but I was free to report as I saw fit. The opinions expressed in this article are 100% my own.
Bert the Conqueror joins the madness in the 2011 Fur Rondy Outhouse Races
I need only say the name to pique your interest. Outhouse Races. "Is this event what I think it is?" That's the question I asked about ten minutes prior to arriving at the starting line. "Oh, yeah -- it's exactly what you think it is." That's the quip I received in return. This is the world's largest Outhouse Race, and it's held annually at Alaska's own Fur Rondy Festival. This year marked the 76th anniversary of the event, and it just seems to get better and better. Not only did 2011 mark the addition of Yukigassen to the agenda, but it also brought in The Travel Channel's own Bert the Conqueror. Bert arrived in Anchorage in order to shoot an upcoming episode of his show, and in addition to participating in a Yukigassen match, he also put together a team of friendlies to race an outhouse with him.
We won't spoil the fun for you, but suffice it to say we caught him on tape recoding an introduction for the episode-to-be as well as making a lap around the bend. We all know Bert's quite the competitor, and he definitely put his best foot forward here in Alaska's snow. Be sure to DVR his show, too -- no telling when this episode will air, but hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later.
Psst... missed our interview with Bert at Fur Rondy? Catch up here!
Gallery: Bert the Conqueror in World's Largest Outhouse Races
My trip was sponsored by Alaska Travel Industry Association, but I was free to report as I saw fit. The opinions expressed in this article are 100% my own.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Video
