Ready, set, three, two, one — go.
Ready, set, three, two, one — go.
The annual bathtub races returned with a splash on the final day of the Geauga County Maple Festival’s centennial celebration.
Spectators began lining up early behind yellow caution tape under rainless skies and mild temperatures, eager for the return of friendly rivalries and fast-paced fun.
“The bathtub races are a blast to watch,” emcee and festival Director Marc Burr said. “It is an athletic event and people really do pack Main Street to watch. Any time people compete physically, it is a great thing to watch. I have a ton of fun announcing this event. There has been a core group of teams for the past few years, but the participants on the teams change, so each year it is anyone’s race. At the end of the race, every contestant is exhausted and has given their all to attain the winner’s trophy.”
New this year was Team WyattWorks Plumbing, HVAC & Electric.
“Being in plumbing, HVAC and electrical, the bathtub race is a natural fit for us,” said WyattWorks President Luke Wyatt, of Chardon, who also competed in the race.
The team raced a heavy-duty bathtub originally built by Hambden Township’s Dave Johnson, of Mapledale Landscaping, and Dave Nelson, of Chardon Performance Therapy.
“It’s built tough, with real motorcycle parts,” Wyatt said.
The team prepared for competition with early-morning basketball at the YMCA and physically demanding work on job sites, he said.
“We like to think that’s the perfect training combo,” Wyatt said.
He said the inaugural appearance made the experience even more significant.
“This year is especially meaningful,” Wyatt said. “As a Chardonite, the maple festival has always been a big part of growing up here. WyattWorks has been a long-time sponsor, so being part of the centennial and competing makes it even more special for us and our team.”
Community Tub returned to compete against longtime rival Chardon Smile Center.
Kevin Doyle competed in Community Tub’s Under 30 men’s division.
“We have been practicing for the competition for a couple of weeks now,” Doyle said. “We are figuring out which strategy is the most effective.
“It means a lot for us to be competing in this year’s centennial celebration race because of the love we have for the city of Chardon,” he added. “We want to bring positive energy to the culture of Chardon and have this wonderful tradition keep going. We want to show everyone that no matter who is competing this year, it will be an enjoyable and rewarding opportunity.”
Chardon Smile Center, the most decorated team in maple festival bathtub racing history, entered the day with 38 plaques.
“We have so many that we don’t have room to display them in our office anymore,” said Chardon Smile Center’s Dr. Brian Titus.
Titus said last-minute roster changes limited practice time this year.
“But, we’re returning our long-time driver, Tippi ‘Andretti’ Foley this year and she’s pretty good at letting the pushers know what to do,” Titus said.
The team included Walter Moses, Darryl Barnett, Hayden Roy, Isaac Zay, and the women’s team of Alexa Anderson, Gia Sharaba, Addison Novak and McKenna Banville.
“We’re incredibly excited and honored to be part of the maple festival’s sweet centennial celebration, especially by competing in the bathtub race,” Titus said. “This unique and iconic event has become such an integral part of how we experience the festival each year. It captures the spirit, creativity and community energy that make the celebration so special. We truly love being part of the action as it’s always a fun and memorable experience and there’s nothing quite like the excitement it brings.”
Spectators cheered and snapped photos as racers navigated sharp turns around traffic cones and sprinted toward the finish line across from the entertainment stage.
“Winning this year’s bathtub race at the maple festival’s centennial is truly an incredible honor,” Titus said. “To be part of such a historic celebration and come out on top makes it even more meaningful for all of us at Chardon Smile Center.”
Titus said the event’s community spirit is what makes it special.
“We’re out there competing against teams who are not just competitors, but friends, and that adds a whole extra layer of fun to the day,” Titus said. “The energy, the laughter and the community spirit are what make this event unforgettable year after year. And of course, having the bragging rights for the next year doesn’t hurt — it makes the victory just a little bit sweeter. We’re proud to be part of such a unique tradition and grateful for the chance to celebrate alongside everyone who makes this festival so special.”
