Beach School Benefits From Zany Bathtub Races
Bathtubs will bob and weave while paddlers try to steer them across the finish line at the historic Bathtub Races, August 31 in Santa Rosa Sound. The races, hosted by Bamboo Willie’s to benefit Pensacola Beach Elementary School PTA, are part of their Labor Day Music Festival. The Festival includes a daylong line up of live music, drink specials, and racing. The grand finale is a waterfront fireworks show at 8 p.m.
While the races have been at Bamboo Willie’s since 2000, that’s only part of the history. The Bathtub Races, sponsored by Gator Distributors, started in 1971 at Shelter Cove Marina near the Oyster Bar in Perdido Key. They migrated over to Pensacola Beach and were held at the west end of the island, which is now Park West. The Gulf Breeze Jaycees coordinated the fun and Dave Bisceglio was the Jaycee’s Tubmaster from 1984 until 1999. The Jaycees used the proceeds to further their charitable and community support for decades.
In Y2K, Robert Gleim at Bamboo Willie’s became Captain Bathtub and when he waded into the racing world. Eventually, Gleim added an Anything That Floats division and a bunch of reggae music to build a three-day festival around the wet and wild races. Of course, he gave the proceeds to a beach non-profit. This year, one hundred percent of the entry fees will be donated to the PTA who will use it for student events, technology, and school improvements—like repairing the decking at the Beach’s charter school.
“The Pensacola Beach Elementary School PTA is honored to be a recipient of this year’s race proceeds,” said PTA President Sara Cordle. “This incredible community event brings together locals and our sweet Beach School family for a day filled with fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition. Our Sandpipers love getting dressed up, cheering each other on, and soaking up the spirit of the day.”
How do you get to be a Champion Bathtub Racer? No experience nor training camp is needed. You have to find a friend with strong arms, and step up to the registration table with $30 at Bamboo Willie’s on Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Registration opens at noon. Racing begins at 2 p.m. You can sign up at the event or prior to at BambooWillies.com
The event is open to all ages, but youngsters should have a parent in the boat with them. Cordle commented that she will be a starting line volunteer, but her husband Damien and second grader Piper will be paddling the course.
When the final stroke is complete, an awards ceremony will be held under Bamboo Willie’s palapa.
“We always give a prize for the Most Dramatic Sinker,” said Gleim, Managing Partner at Bamboo Willie’s. “Every year there is at least one team that takes on water or turns over and ends up on the bottom.”
Prizes and awards will go to the Fastest Team and to the Most Dramatic Sinker. Sometimes a costume is so outstanding that Gleim awards a special prize.
Nothing too serious about this event except it helps the students and teachers at the Beach’s charter school.
Cordle added a note of appreciation, “We’re so grateful to be part of this tradition and thankful for the support of the Bamboo Willie’s family.”
Boaters, sailors and spectators are welcome to line the perimeter of the course. It’s a perfect location to view the races. There is an unusual tradition of those who come armed with squirt guns to encourage the racers.
There’s no charge to cheer.