In the heart of the Finger Lakes region, nestled beside the rolling hills and whispering waters of Owasco Lake, lies the small but fiercely proud village of Moravia, New York. Known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and deep sense of community, Moravia boasts a tradition as quirky as it is beloved: the legendary Bathtub Races.

This one-of-a-kind event, where competitors race modified bathtubs on wheels, is more than just a spectacle—it’s a testament to the town’s resilience, humor, and dedication to preserving the past in the most unexpected ways.

A Myth Takes Root: The Origins of the Bathtub Races

The tale begins, oddly enough, with H.L. Mencken, an influential journalist known for his sharp wit and love of satire. In 1917, Mencken penned a humorous article claiming that Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States and a native son of the Moravia area, was responsible for installing the very first bathtub in the White House.

The claim was entirely false, but that didn’t stop it from spreading like wildfire. Newspapers reprinted it, citizens debated it, and before long, people took it as historical fact. Though Mencken later admitted the story was a hoax, the people of Moravia embraced the tale, seeing it as a delightful bit of folklore connected to their most famous resident.

Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and this little nugget of bathtub-related trivia inspired Fillmore Days, a festival dedicated to celebrating the town’s heritage in the most unconventional way possible—by racing bathtubs.

The Glory Days: When Bathtubs Ruled the Streets

At its height, the Moravia Bathtub Races were legendary. Participants, both young and old, transformed ordinary bathtubs into makeshift racing machines. Some were sleek and aerodynamic, others were laughably impractical, but all were built with pride, creativity, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit.

On race day, the streets of Moravia would buzz with excitement. Crowds lined the sidewalks, cheering as teams in costume pushed, pedaled, and sometimes even stumbled their way toward the finish line. The races became the heart of the Fillmore Days festival, a celebration of community, history, and, of course, the enduring legacy of Millard Fillmore’s fictitious bathtub.

For years, the event drew not just locals but visitors from neighboring towns, eager to witness the absurd yet thrilling races. The laughter, the camaraderie, the sheer joy of watching bathtubs zip (or crawl) down the streets made it a cherished tradition.

A Tragic Pause: The Event That Stopped the Races

However, like many great traditions, the bathtub races faced an unexpected hurdle. In the late 1990s, an accident involving a bystander cast a shadow over the event. Safety concerns grew, and after careful deliberation, organizers made the difficult decision to halt the races indefinitely.

Without its signature event, Fillmore Days lost some of its luster. While other festivities continued, there was a noticeable gap where the bathtubs once rolled. Would the races ever return? Many feared the tradition would fade into history, a relic of a bygone era.

The Grand Revival: A New Era for Bathtub Racing

For two decades, the streets of Moravia were eerily quiet during Fillmore Days—no screeching wheels, no cheers, no triumphant bathtub champions. But the spirit of the races never truly died.

In 2019, after years of longing and careful planning, a group of dedicated locals came together with a mission: bring back the bathtub races—but do it safely. The decision was made to relocate the event from the village streets to Fillmore Glen State Park, where controlled conditions would ensure the safety of both racers and spectators.

The result? A spectacular comeback.

The first race of the modern era was a roaring success, drawing bigger crowds than ever before. Enthusiasts, young and old, dusted off their engineering skills and got to work constructing new and improved bathtub racers. Some featured high-tech designs, others stayed true to the classic DIY spirit, but all paid homage to the grand tradition that had defined Moravia for decades.

The Bathtub Races Today: Bigger, Better, and Here to Stay

Now a centerpiece of Fillmore Days, the revived bathtub races are a must-see event each August. The races are no longer just about speed—they’re about creativity, showmanship, and good old-fashioned fun.

Beyond the races, Fillmore Days has grown into a full-fledged festival, featuring:

Scavenger hunts that take participants through the historic charm of Moravia
Pie-eating contests that bring out the most determined dessert lovers
Live music and performances that get the crowd moving
Food vendors, craft booths, and local artisans showcasing the best of the Finger Lakes region

Each year, more and more visitors flock to Fillmore Glen State Park, drawn by the promise of an unforgettable weekend of nostalgia, excitement, and, of course, the spectacle of bathtubs hurtling down a racecourse.

Why Moravia’s Bathtub Races Matter

More than just a quirky tradition, the Bathtub Races of Moravia are a symbol of resilience, humor, and community spirit.

They remind us that history—whether real or mythical—can unite people in unexpected ways. They show us that even the most unusual traditions can have deep meaning. And, most importantly, they prove that sometimes, the best way to honor the past is to embrace the ridiculous, roll up your sleeves, and race a bathtub.

So, if you find yourself in Moravia this summer, don’t miss Fillmore Days. Cheer on the racers, marvel at the outrageous bathtub designs, and soak in the joy of a community that refuses to let the past be forgotten.

Because in Moravia, bathtubs aren’t just for bathing—they’re for racing.

Join the Fun

Mark your calendars for the next Fillmore Days festival, held August 7-9, 2025, at Fillmore Glen State Park.
Want a taste of the action? Watch the 2019 Bathtub Races comeback here.
Learn more about the event and how to enter: Friends of Fillmore Glen.

See you at the races!