West Concord’s Survival Days Features Return of Wife Carrying

If you know anything about small towns, you know they throw the absolute best parties. Located just 30 minutes from Rochester, or 10 minutes north of Dodge Center, the tiny town of West Concord (population under 1,000) is getting ready to throw a big one.

West Concord’s annual community celebration, Survival Days, is back for its 41st year from July 23rd through July 26th. The festival is packed with everything you’d expect like live music, food trucks, a classic car show, and a tractor pull. They also have one of the most unique competitions in our area: The Wife Carrying Contest.

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What Exactly Is a Wife Carrying Contest?

Two-person teams race head-to-head through an obstacle course that is nearly 300 yards long. Competitors will have to climb over and under dry obstacles, plus trek through a wet, muddy challenge before sprinting to the finish line.

The fastest teams advance through the heats until the final two duos battle it out for a cash prize and ultimate bragging rights.

Don't let the name fool you, you don't actually have to be married to enter! According to the registration site, teams do NOT have to be a man and a woman, nor do you have to be romantically involved. Any duo over 18 looking for a fun challenge can sign up!