On Thursday, July 10, local wait staff will put their tray-balancing skills to the test at the Waiters’ Race, an event organized by the Princeton Merchants Association. The event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at Palmer Square, rain or shine.

Waiters and waitresses from Princeton area restaurants will race to complete a course while balancing two full glasses of water and two full BAI Beverage bottles on their trays. Participating restaurants include Agricola, Blue Point Grill, Eno Terra, Main Street Bistro, Mediterra, Mistral, Triumph Brewing Company, Witherspoon Grill, and Yankee Doodle Tap Room.

“Last year’s event held at the Princeton Shopping Center was the biggest field of competitors ever,” said John Marshall, president of the Princeton Merchants Association. “Each year this event has grown significantly in its popularity and attendance. This year we return to Palmer Square where competitors will feel the pain of Heartbreak Hill; leg three of the square course through which only the best go on to finish. We also will find out if two-time men’s champion, Yankee Doodle Tap Room’s own John Ryan, can claim victory a third year in a row.”

Sponsors this year include: Agricola, Alchemist & Barrister, BAI Beverage, Blue Point Grill, Elements, Eno Terra, Joy Cards, La Jolie Salon and Spa, Main Street Bistro and Café, McCaffrey’s, Mediterra, Mistral, Nassau Inn, PNC Bank, Princeton U Store, Road ID, Smith’s Ace Hardware, Teresa Caffe, Triumph Brewing Company and Witherspoon Grill.

Goodie bags for racers will contain gift cards to Triumph, Witherspoon Grill, A&B, Hoagie Haven, Slice Between, George’s, D’Angelo’s, Olives or other food spots in Princeton; one Bent Spoon “love card” (worth a free scoop or cupcake), one small bag of Lindt Truffles, a three-day VIP pass to New Jersey Athletic Club, a $5 gift card to Chez Alice, a Whole Earth Granola Bar, a “snack” and reusable bag from McCaffreys, a Road ID flyer, and a Waiters Race Princeton 2014 T-Shirt.

Winners’ prizes include a weekend stay at the Nassau Inn, coolers from ACE Hardware, gift cards from Hamilton Jewelers and Agricola, and many more.

Those interested in participating need to pre-register. The fee is $20. All participants will receive an official race day t-shirt and goodie bag. For further information contact PMA Board Members John Marshall at president@princetonmerchants.org or Jack Morrison at jack@jmgroupprinceton.com.