By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

Jake and Lindsay Owens cross the finish line in a previous year’s race. JACK CHAVEZ/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

(June 8, 2023) Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath.

Sixteen teams will be rockin’ and rollin’ down Main Street for the 33rd annual Berlin Bathtub Races starting at 6 p.m. Friday.

“The whole event is off the wall this year,” said Ryan Nellans, the executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. “We have 19 teams that want to race. That is not the final number, though. The roster is filled up, but there is always a chance we lose one or two.”

Any extra teams beyond the 16 spots will be on standby in case someone cannot race. And all will participate in the parade, which starts at 6 pm, with races starting at 6:15 p.m.

Last year, Nellans was scrambling to get enough contestants. This year, he said it’s like herding cats.

“They are coming out of the woodwork. We have a stellar lineup this year.”

Returning favorites include Seaside Plumbing and Camp Coast. Ocean 98 radio won in 2022, but they are not competing this year.

“Camp Coast is trying to take their title back,” Nellans said. “They are really feeling their oats.”

The new trophy is the Turner Cup in honor of the late Jesse Turner, the Bathtub Races founder, its most successful entrant and whose Shoe Box shoe repair shop was a Main Street fixture for decades. Jeff Auxer of Jeff Auxer Designs in Berlin has donated the blown glass and steel trophy he designed specifically for the race.

“It’s nice and overdue to recognize the event founder,” Nellans said.

Main Street will be closed to traffic starting at 2 p.m. to set up the track. The tubs will be at the Welcome Center at 14th and Main Street between noon and 2 p.m. to register.

“The track is 100-foot sprint, drag race-style,” Nellans said of the competition, which features a bathtub-inspired cart, its driver and a pusher.

Nellans also encouraged people to come out early to visit the stores and restaurants.

There will be a half-time hula hoop contest for kids, with prizes from Island Creamery. Spectators can purchase chances for the 50/50 rubber duck raffle. If all the ducks are bought, the winner could receive $1,500.

Delmarva Sports Network will be broadcasting LIVE from the Atlantic Hotel balcony.

Nellans said volunteers are still needed and they can sign up at signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4fa9aa2aa2f9c70-bathtub#/