Sixteen teams representing businesses and political leaders looking to be named King or Queen of the throne in the 19th annual Cochrane Outhouse Races, came to an abrupt halt yesterday afternoon (August 25), after an unforeseen incident occurred. 

Event Organizer, Dan Kroffat was thrilled with the size of the crowd and the overall fundraising component but says the event was marred when Airdrie Mayor, Peter Brown's outhouse experienced a mishap. "Having the largest crowd and raising the most money that has ever been raised at it are two accomplishments that we were all looking forward to and excited about. So it was an exciting afternoon with all kinds of positive feedback and positive results, but then in my personal opinion and feelings, it was totally diminished by seeing the accident."

With photos and footage from the event showing Mayor Brown's outhouse having a malfunction with the wheel of some kind, Kroffat imagines some tweaks may be made to future regulations. "I am assuming that everyone will learn something from this when it comes to the equipment they bring to these events. It has to be of a quality and standard that can meet the rigorous demand of it going at the speed it does with four people pulling it up and down the street. Safety is and will always be our highest priority."

While Mayor Brown has publicly released that he wasn't seriously injured, he is taking a couple of days off to recoup. "Firefighters, health professionals (bystanders) we’re at my side in a flash. It was extremely comforting and believe me appreciated. Fortunately, I have no broken bones, according to the doctor, but it will feel like I’ve been in a car wreck for the next little while. I will tell you all, my fire helmet definitely saved me from more serious injury. Which means all you young people who ride bicycles and skateboards etc. wear your helmet! I want to thank the health professionals and trauma team at the Foothills Hospital as well, they were awesome! As well the gents in the ambulance, we are truly fortunate to have such tremendous health professionals in this province. I am very much looking forward to coming back next year and racing in Cochrane at this great event ( I understand we were ahead). My sincere apologies to the fans and participants, please don’t let this accident diminish your support for this awesome community event. Clearly, my outhouse was not tested for safety, a mistake I will not duplicate."

Despite the unfortunate mishap with Mayor Brown, the Cochrane Outhouse Races were extremely successful and did what it was set out to do. "We are there to bring entertainment to the community, to raise awareness of the event, and it helps with tourism. Then to top it off, my personal goal is to find a benefactor, someone that because of the large crowds, we can raise money for."  

While Kroffat isn't exactly sure what his future role will be with the event, he is still remaining positive that the Outhouse Races will continue to gain traction. "I am going to sit back and carefully give consideration as to what the future looks like with regards to my role with the races, and if there is a future for me for involvement. At this particular juncture, my highest priority and thoughts are with Peter, and I hope all is well at the end of the day. If this event is to continue, I can even see it going to a higher level of participation and expectation of raising money to help another organization. An event like this certainly provides the opportunity to do such a thing."

In total, the Cochrane Outhouse Races attracted over eight hundred people to Historic Main Street and raised roughly 23,000 dollars for the Girl Guides Camp Jubilee project. "My goal was 20,000 thousand, so it speaks to the generosity of our community."

Definitely not the finale anyone wanted to see, the Cochrane community wishes Mayor Peter Brown a fast and speedy recovery.