BJ’s on the Water will present its 34th annual canoe races Tuesday, July 9, in the bay behind the 75th Street restaurant.
BJ’s Manager Nikki Buzgierski said the restaurant will open at approximately 9:30 a.m. for registration the day of the race. She said the competition is open to anyone and canoes will hit the water at 11 a.m.
Buzgierski said many servers, bartenders and employees from bars, restaurants and businesses in and around the Ocean City area compete in the annual race and that rivalries have developed over the years. She said visitors to the resort also continue to compete and even schedule their vacations around the event.
“We have a family who comes every year and they even won one year,” said Buzgierski. “It’s just a blast. The whole place is packed.”
The teams are made up of four people (two men and two women). The cost to enter is $50 per team. Participants must be 21 years of age to enter the race. Closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or water shoes, are required.
The teams will race in heats. The first male and female will paddle once around the island behind the restaurant and then jump out as their teammates hop in the canoe. Winners will move on to the next round and Buzgierski said the competition is over at approximately 4 p.m.
Trophies and a cash price will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place teams. The first-place team will receive $600, second-place will receive $400 and the third-place team will receive $200. The winning team’s name will be engraved on the official tournament cup with the champions from the previous 33 races.
Buzgierski said 104 teams competed in the race last year and about the same are expected this year. Food and drink specials will be available throughout the day in the restaurant and on the deck. Spectators must also be 21 years of age to enter the restaurant.
Buzgierski said a grill will be on the deck for spectators to enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs. She said BJ’s will have specials on drinks including Twisted Tea, Miller Lite, Coors Light and various shots.
For more information, call BJ’s on the Water at 410-524-7575.
