Bar stool racing promotes winter fun in Somerset

• PHOTO: Crash

There were more than few crashes during the races.
• PHOTO: Pony stool

A racer prepares to ride her pink pony down the hill during the Powderpuff races.
• PHOTO: Boat stool

A racer gracefully floats to the finish.
• PHOTO: Gumby races

Some well-known characters raced in the event.

Talk about it

The Second Annual American Legion Post 111 Bar Stool Races were a huge success.

An estimated 1,500 spectators attended the event on Saturday, March 3, which is about double that of last year’s attendance, said event organizer Rick Halvorson.

There were 60 racers in the 2012 event, compared to 24 last year.

Halvorson said the Legion made improvements from the first year and the second annual event turned out “fantastic.”

“There was a lot of excitement,” he said. “There were more races and more crashes. There was a lot of variety and creativity in this year’s entries, too.”

The double elimination event featured two race lanes, made of snow gathered from area parking lots.

“We hauled in six dump trucks full of snow,” Halvorson said.

Prizes were awarded to teams with the most wins and creativity.

Somerset and St. Joseph Fire/Rescue departments went head-to-head during halftime of the event.

The Somerset department won the first place prize of a $300 donation from the American Legion and St. Joseph won $200.

Somerset sports teams sold concessions at the event and the Apple River Cruizers Car Club volunteered during the races.

The event ended with live music.

Halvorson expects an even bigger crowd at next year’s event.

“It’s going to be nuts,” he said.

Check out the short video clip of the races!

Tags: communities, wisconsin, somerset