It's not every day that a man gets to hang his wife upside down, drag her through water, mud and sand and be rewarded for it. But on September 19, this behavior is not only rewarded, it's encouraged.
Enter the world of the 2009 Wisconsin Wife-Carrying Championships. Starting at 11 a.m. at Torpy Park in Minocqua, groups of fearless (or severely uninformed) men will compete along with their wives in a 253.5-meter obstacle course. Prizes include five times the wife's weight in cash, as well as her weight in mustard, ale, bratwursts and composted cow manure (hey, one man's trash is another man's treasure).
The challenge? Well, besides the log hurdles, all male participants must compete while simultaneously carrying their wives and keeping them off the ground.
"Over the hills and through the water takes on a whole new meaning when you're upside down," says Holly Pimentel, a seasoned contestant.
Even though Pimentel and her husband haven't won anything, they love participating. "It was the experience all together that was the best for me, something we had never done before. The whole event was a ball."
While the event is a fun one, it still has rules. Allegedly, the inspiration behind them came from 19th century Finland where the sport originated. Here, a local brigand would test potential members using a challenging, strength-draining track. Oftentimes, these men would steal the wives of neighboring villages to further emphasize their strength.
Keeping with the Finnish history, the Minocqua version also allows unmarried couples to participate. However, the "wives" must be at least 21 years old and weigh a minimum of 107 pounds. It is also essential that they wear helmets.
Thought the event sounds enticing, it took a while for new contestant Chris Kinner to convince his wife. "I've tried to talk her into it for years and she's finally ‘green lighted' the insanity."
Bryon Black, an advertiser and photographer for Minocqua Winter Park, shares in Kinner's enthusiasm. "It is a great event, even if you are going to just watch. And, I would totally recommend it because by all accounts, it is totally fun!"
Perhaps what sums it up best is the event's motto: "It's a mere 278 yards, but if y'can't carry her, ferry her!" That's right, there's also a wife ferrying contest for those doubting their carrying abilities.
The winners of this contest will receive the wife's weight in cash for ferrying her across a 250-yard obstacle course.
Are you a 5-year-old bachelor? We suggest you enter the Pike Carrying Event, which offers numerous opportunities for youngsters to get involved from ages 5 to 17. After carrying a 48-inch Cabela's Pillow Pike across a track, three contestants from this event will win $50 as well as their weight in a sponsored prize.
For a full listing or the rules or for information on where to register, visit minocquawinterpark.org or call 715.356.3309.