There is a big event afoot in these photos. But unlike many special events, the visitors do not linger in this area, but quickly pass on by, leaving the portable restroom operators to pick up the many units only after a few early morning hours of service. When it started 50 years ago, this happening drew only 127 participants, but now it is the biggest event of its kind in the world. Today, more than a million spectators show up every fall, but very few will use these restrooms. In fact, a great number of them never saw this location and were several miles away from these restrooms.
Where are the restrooms? Here are a few clues:
• Fred Lebow spent $300 to get it started. Some people pay $300 to participate in the event today, while spectators pay nothing.
• A national park monument is near where these restrooms are located. The site was the longest-serving military installation named for a general who was killed in the U.S. Civil War.
• Albert Korir was an important figure on the day the photo was taken.
• 2 hours, 8 minutes, 22 seconds.
• The suspension bridge in the background was named for a 1524 explorer named Giovanni.
• A number one, top of the list, king of the hill. A number one.
To win the contest, name the event, the city and the landmark location of the restrooms shown. The winner will be recognized as a geographical whiz on the PRO Facebook page. Send your responses to editor@promonthly.com.
