The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, Noblesville Parks Department and Noblesville Main Street are partnering to present the 2019 Darlington Bed Race through the downtown square beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 31.
“It is family-friendly fun for a good cause,” said Abigail Stutesman, bed race organizer and unit director at the Noblesville Boys & Girls Club. “It’s amazing that the bed race is in its ninth year and that it has grown each year. The race has and continues to provide children with the opportunity to participate in a summer activity regardless of finances.”
The annual bed race involves racing custom designed beds on wheels on Ninth Street. It provides an enjoyable experience for onlookers and participants alike while raising money for area youth. All of the proceeds from the race are split evenly for financial need scholarships for summer camp programming at the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and Noblesville Parks and Recreation.
“The bed race has become a unique Noblesville tradition,” said Noblesville Parks Assistant Director Mike Hoffmeister. “While it’s fun, entertaining and competitive, it’s also a valuable event for our local youth. It is necessary and important to provide an avenue for those in the community that can’t always afford the services that we offer.”
Adults and families, businesses or organizations, and schools or clubs are invited to “Put School to Bed and Race into Summer” by participating in the foot race. Teams consist of four to five racers ages 16 or older and compete head-to-head in a double elimination bracket until a champion is crowned. Teams may bring their own custom bed or borrow a bed from the hosts.
Early bird registration for teams is open now through May 3. The fee for teams bringing their own beds is $25 and $75 for teams needing to borrow a bed. Registration will remain open through May 31, but fees increase $25 after early bird registration ends.
Viewing of the race is free of charge and sponsorships range from $200 to $800, which also contribute to youth scholarships. Prizes are awarded to teams for first and second place and being selected the crowd favorite. For more information or to sign up as a team or sponsor, call 773-4372 or email astutesman@bgcni.org.
The Bed Race kicks off the summer and a full weekend of activities in Noblesville. With the Bed Race on Friday and annual Street Dance taking place on Saturday, June 1, it will be a fun weekend for Noblesville residents to welcome summer and enjoy time on the square with friends, family and neighbors.