(July 14, 2016) Bathtub Races, an annual tradition in Berlin for the last 27 years, returns this Friday as both a competition and a fundraiser for the Berlin Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Executive Director Larnet St. Amant said the race involves two-person teams racing down Main Street in a bathtub, or at least a close approximation.
“Typically, we have about 15 to 20 teams race,” she said. “We line the street with straw bales.”
Over the last two-plus decades, technological improvements have caused the racing machines to morph into something beyond traditional tubs.
“In the past, they had big galvanized tubs,” she said. “Now, some of these things are state-of-the-art.”
Jessie Turner, a pioneer of the sport who has more than a few first-place finishes to his credit, has witnessed that evolution as well as the increase in the number of competitors.
“It started out being original (bathtubs) and they started making them look a little prettier,” he said. “When we first started, we started with small wheels, like a go-kart, and then we ended up with bigger wheels, like 27-inch bicycle wheels.”
Turner expressed a preference for larger wheels, but admitted his multiple award-winning vessel is still in storage for the moment.
“Mine’s in my garage with flat tires and everything,” he said. “I was planning on it this year but I said, ‘no I’ll wait until next year.’”
He said it hasn’t been easy remaining on the sidelines as many people have tried to push him back into participation.
“They asked me to be in it,” he said. “I said I could park it and they said, ‘We want you to be in the actual race.’ I said I don’t know about all that.”
Regardless of his personal participation, Turner was happy to share strategic tips with the rest of the field.
“It takes a pusher and somebody to steer,” he said. “You need somebody as light as you can get them inside the tub and a fast pusher and runner.”
He also noted that the competition has seen the competitor pool expand over the years.
“At first, it was just the merchants, but now it’s other people from the community that are joining in,” he said.
St. Amant encourages the increased buy-in and welcomes the unexpected.
“Vast groups of people participate,” she said. “The more flamboyant the participants, the better.”
The race raises funds for the Chamber of Commerce through a 50/50 raffle, with each ticket earning a keepsake.
“Each five-dollar raffle ticket gets a rubber ducky,” she said. “This year we will offer bearded rubber duckies.”
The charitable competition does offer the victorious team at least a badge of honor.
“The winner gets bragging right for the year,” she said.
Describing the day as a feel-good event for all ages, St. Amant offered one piece of advice for those attending:
“Come early and shop,” she said. “Then stay late and get dinner.”
Chamber Executive Director Larnet St. Amant said the race involves two-person teams racing down Main Street in a bathtub, or at least a close approximation.
“Typically, we have about 15 to 20 teams race,” she said. “We line the street with straw bales.”
Over the last two-plus decades, technological improvements have caused the racing machines to morph into something beyond traditional tubs.
“In the past, they had big galvanized tubs,” she said. “Now, some of these things are state-of-the-art.”
Jessie Turner, a pioneer of the sport who has more than a few first-place finishes to his credit, has witnessed that evolution as well as the increase in the number of competitors.
“It started out being original (bathtubs) and they started making them look a little prettier,” he said. “When we first started, we started with small wheels, like a go-kart, and then we ended up with bigger wheels, like 27-inch bicycle wheels.”
Turner expressed a preference for larger wheels, but admitted his multiple award-winning vessel is still in storage for the moment.
“Mine’s in my garage with flat tires and everything,” he said. “I was planning on it this year but I said, ‘no I’ll wait until next year.’”
He said it hasn’t been easy remaining on the sidelines as many people have tried to push him back into participation.
“They asked me to be in it,” he said. “I said I could park it and they said, ‘We want you to be in the actual race.’ I said I don’t know about all that.”
Regardless of his personal participation, Turner was happy to share strategic tips with the rest of the field.
“It takes a pusher and somebody to steer,” he said. “You need somebody as light as you can get them inside the tub and a fast pusher and runner.”
He also noted that the competition has seen the competitor pool expand over the years.
“At first, it was just the merchants, but now it’s other people from the community that are joining in,” he said.
St. Amant encourages the increased buy-in and welcomes the unexpected.
“Vast groups of people participate,” she said. “The more flamboyant the participants, the better.”
The race raises funds for the Chamber of Commerce through a 50/50 raffle, with each ticket earning a keepsake.
“Each five-dollar raffle ticket gets a rubber ducky,” she said. “This year we will offer bearded rubber duckies.”
The charitable competition does offer the victorious team at least a badge of honor.
“The winner gets bragging right for the year,” she said.
Describing the day as a feel-good event for all ages, St. Amant offered one piece of advice for those attending:
“Come early and shop,” she said. “Then stay late and get dinner.”