Beds will be barrelling down Beacon Avenue this summer as teams vie for bragging rights, all while raising money for seniors programs in Sidney.
The Bed Races on Beacon are back for its third year and more than two months before the event takes place, five teams have already signed up — Tim Hortons, Pharmasave, Pendray Corn Maze, Bayshore Healthcare and Rest Haven Lodge. Organizer Elaine Hughesman says people are keen to get out into the town’s main drag for an afternoon of fun for a good cause.
The event, sponsored again by radio station 100.3 The Q, is a fundraiser for the Rest Haven Foundation. It raises money to support seniors care programs, staff training and medical equipment at Rest Haven Lodge, a care facility for seniors. Teams pay $500 to enter and they are encouraged to try to raise another $500 for the cause.
Hughesman added teams can raise an additional $1,000 that will give them an extra six-foot lead on their race day competition.
Teams race each other in heats down Beacon Avenue between Fifth and Third streets.
For the races themselves, the fastest team overall wins the day.
However, the event doesn’t stop there.
Teams are encouraged to adopt themes and wear costumes and play the part. In past years, people have dressed as characters from Dr. Seuss, little devils, super heroes and more.
Last year, water guns were out in force and there’s no reason not to expect them back this summer.
Hughesman said new at the event this year is their Call Out Challenge.
“A business that has signed up can ‘call out’ another business,” she explained. “And they would face off against each other on race day.”
And while the event has a panel of local celebrity judges to grade the costume entries, they can be bribed. It’s all part of the fun.
The third Bed Races on Beacon take place Sunday, August 28 from 12 to 3 p.m. To sign up, visit resthavenfoundation.com.