An example of what could be entered in the inaugural Toilet Bowl Trauma Trot, an event featuring outhouse/portable toilet races set for Feb. 7 that will benefit the Niagara Area Emergency Unit. (Contributed photo)

NIAGARA, Wis. — A new event is planned as a fundraiser in February: the Toilet Bowl Trauma Trot.

Set to take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, behind the Niagara City Hall, the outhouse/portable toilet races will benefit the Niagara Area Emergency Unit.

Organizer Tracy Daun said the idea came from one of the city workers plus an annual event in Trenary, the Outhouse Classic.

Community members are invited to build a portable toilet to race behind City Hall. Each team has three members — two to push and one who rides on the seat.

The portable toilet can be constructed of any material — cardboard, wood, plastic — and mounted on non-metal skis or other sliding material. They must be fitted with push bars on either side that are no longer than 16 inches. No ice cleats or motors are permitted.

It must have a seat with a hole and some sort of wiping material, such as toilet paper, napkins, magazines or leaves. A door is optional.

Authenticity counts. The public will vote for the crowd favorite trophy.

Two teams will race each other and they may have double elimination, Daun said. Prizes will be given for first, second and third places for the races.

Teams are also encouraged to name themselves something “memorable, slightly inappropriate and pun-tastic.”

The competition is open to those 16-year-old and older. Those younger than 18 must have a signed waiver by parent or guardian.

Cost to enter is $40, payable by Jan. 31. All participants must have a signed waiver form. Participants should be at the staging area ready to race by 11 a.m.

The chili cookoff is open to individuals, teams and businesses.

All chili must be homemade and cooked using safe food handling instructions. Entrants pay a $10 fee that will be returned after the event. No-shows will forfeit the entry fee. All participants must fill out a registration form.

Those younger than 18 must have a parent supervising. Chili should be cooked at home and ready to eat. It should be dropped off no later than 9:15 a.m. if it needs to be reheated, or by 10:30 a.m. if it is ready to eat. Participants should make at least one gallon of chili.

Those who attend the day’s events can purchase 5-ounce tasting tickets. Tasting will be until 3 p.m., with the winner announced at 3:30 p.m.

The event will also have raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing and several games for kids.

Because it’s the first year and they don’t know how the weather will be, they don’t know exactly where events will take place, Daun said.

The races could be on the road or in Heights Park. They may utilize the pavilion for some events.

Daun, who is a member of the rescue squad, also had the idea for the Little Christmas Village, another fundraiser that is in its second year. Voting for that event extends through tonight.

Those who don’t wish to participate in the races themselves can help as volunteers — contact Daun by email at toiletbowltraumatrot@gmail.com or through the Facebook page Toilet Bowl Trauma Trot.

Rules and registration forms are available on the Facebook page as well. They are also seeking sponsors.

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.