3 things happening in NC: Sapphire’s wild and crazy Outhouse Race

Yes, you read that right. An Outhouse Race. Plus, a wine walk in Salisbury and the NC Jazz Festival takes place in Wilmington.

Well, that escalated quickly. We have entered February on the back of a historic snowstorm, the fourth greatest snowfall ever recorded in Charlotte, where I live. Other towns recorded more: 22.5 inches in Faust, 16 inches in Lexington, and 12 inches in Jacksonville, to name a few. 

As we melt our way into Monday, we’ve got some catching up to do. So many cool events and planned gatherings were canceled this past weekend, and if you’re going stir crazy, there are plenty more happenings scheduled for the coming week throughout the state. 

One such event is a little-known staple of ski season in our state, the type of party that sounds made up unless you’ve seen it for yourself. In order to do so, you’ll have to make your way to an unincorporated resort community in the Blue Ridge Mountains called Sapphire for the annual Outhouse Race. And if watching folks race toilets down a snow-covered hill isn’t your idea of fun, well I don’t know what to tell you, but I do have a couple other events to recommend first. 

46th Annual North Carolina Jazz Festival

Feb. 5-7, concerts start at 7:30 pm each night; Hotel Ballast, Wilmington

Considered to be one of the oldest jazz festivals in the southeast, the NC Jazz Festival returns to Wilmington this week. (Photo via NC Jazz Festival)

Billed as one of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast, the NC Jazz Festival was launched in 1980 by Wilmington dermatologist Dr. Harry VanVelsor, known as a consummate jazz lover. “Harry’s devotion to Dixieland and Traditional style jazz greatly influenced the structure of this new event in Wilmington,” according to the festival website. 

Late, great artists like Art Hodes, Milt Hinton, Kenny Davern, Keter Betts, Bobby Rosengarden, Tony DiNicola, and Johnny Frigo have played the fest, but our focus is on the living legends who will perform this year. The Thursday night showcase features pianist Noel Freidline and singer Maria Howell, a duo known in Charlotte for their regular appearances at the Middle C Jazz club.

Friday and Saturday nights will include all-star musicians playing in the traditional seven sets of six or seven players, each set with a different leader, for a four-and-a-half-hour concert on each night.  

13th Annual Wine About Winter

Feb. 6, 5-9:30 p.m.; Historic Downtown Salisbury

The 13th annual “Wine About Winter” event is this week in Salisbury. (Photo via Downtown Salisbury)

The last two weekends have given us plenty of reasons to whine about winter, now it’s time to “Wine About Winter.” This annual event breaks up the monotony of the cold season with a walk through Historic Downtown Salisbury, where participating shops and restaurants will each offer up a different wine. 

In case the weather doesn’t exactly welcome walkability, complimentary trolley service will be provided throughout the evening. Snack Stops will also be located along the route to help soak up your samples. 

The 19th Annual Great Sapphire Outhouse Race

Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sapphire Valley Ski Area

The course at the Sapphire Outhouse Race in western NC. (Photo via Sapphire Valley Resorts)

There are almost no situations in which it could be considered a good thing if the outhouse you’re in starts moving. That is unless you’re participating in the annual Great Sapphire Outhouse Race, which is exactly what it sounds like. 

The race typically involves teams of at least three people, with one person skiing (“pooping” in official race terminology) while sitting on an outhouse and the others pushing the DIY toilet-craft from behind to get it started.

Residents come from all over to cheer on their favorite teams, which often give creative names to their structures like Yabba Dabba Doo Doo, and join in on the other festivities and activities including food and drinks, music, and games.

This year’s proceeds will go to the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, benefiting a number of local charities. It’s a fun way to mark the end of ski season. The race starts at 3 p.m. but festivites start long before then. Just be sure if you’re running late to get there by 2:45 p.m. for the Potty Parade.

(Photo via Sapphire Valley Resorts)