Ready, set, pour!
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WHAT: The Bartender Olympics.
WHEN: 7 p.m. on Aug. 12.
WHERE: The Roundhouse Bar, Deleware Ave., Put-in-Bay.
INFO: theroundhousebar.com or 419-285-2323.
How comfortable would you be if a bunch of people showed up to watch you do your job?
For area bartenders, that's what will be happening Aug. 12 at the Bartender Olympics, hosted by the Roundhouse Bar on Put-in-Bay. The competition, which has been going on for over 20 years, is fun both for the competitors and the vast number of spectators who show up to watch.
Bars from around the island send teams of at least five participants to compete in a series of events, each designed to test their bar-tending prowess. This year's challenges include favorites from previous years, including the keg roll, original drink contest, pouring challenge and a written test.
"Usually we start out with a written quiz and three or four shots before people gather, said Roundhouse Bar manager Terri Winchester. "This year, part of the parade is going to involve the skits we do in the bar, but out on the street, so that more people can see."
The only things confined to the inside of the bar this year will be the original drink contest and the popular "what bar-tending means to me" event, as well as the live music.
"We'll see how this goes this year, combining the skits with the outdoors," said Winchester.
Another new aspect is the sponsorship of Captain Morgan's Rum, which gives the event more of a theme. Competitors are encouraged to incorporate Captain Morgan's into their skits, floats and original drinks.
Overall, the event is rowdy fun for competitors and observers alike. Water and non-alcoholic beer can be found at the outdoor events on Delaware Ave., and the parade floats are attract attention from people of all ages.
"There's more for spectators to see now," said Winchester.