On Friday, June 14, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce will host its 34th annual Berlin Bathtub Races. Starting at 6 p.m., competitors will race their modified bathtubs down Main Street as onlookers cheer from the sidelines in what has become the town’s most beloved summer sporting event.
“We are thrilled to host the Bathtub Race’s 34th year,” said Ryan Nellans, the chamber’s executive director. “It has already been the most exciting build-up to any race we’ve had yet with sixteen teams and two reserve teams registered. The competition will be tight as two-time champion Derek Jarmon of Maryland’s Coast is stepping back and making room for new faces and new names on the Turner Cup. While the Chamber runs a lot of events like Jazz & Blues and the Fiddler’s Convention, those help bring new folks to Berlin. The Bathtub Race is something we do for ourselves. It’s a little weird, it’s a little silly, but it’s ours, and that’s why it’s my favorite.”
Each year, participating businesses show off their speed and pageantry by racing their modified bathtubs in a series of heats, with the final two teams left competing for the trophy. The bathtubs themselves must be authentic and homemade and capable of holding at least two gallons of water. Wheels can be no bigger than 26 inches, and bathtubs must have breaks and steering.