Berlin Bathtub Races set Friday

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(June 9, 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.” until ready to use.

Presentation

1. Place smoked salmon mousse in the freezer for 10 minutes before piping. This produces a more successful and a more defined piping.

2. Using a piping bag, pipe salmon mousse on the slice of cucumber.

3. Very carefully, place smoked salmon tartare around the mousse.

4. Garnish with salmon caviar, capers, and/or fresh dill.

5. Repeat this process for the remaining smoke salmon amuse bouches.

Secret Ingredient – Dreams

“Dreams don’t work unless you do.”

John C Maxwell

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.

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