The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, Noblesville Parks Department and Noblesville Main Street are partnering to present the 2018 Darlington Bed Race through the downtown square beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 1.
“It is family-friendly fun for a good cause,” said Abigail Stutesman-Rinehart, bed race organizer and unit director at the Noblesville Boys & Girls Club. “It’s amazing that the bed race is in its eighth year as 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. Teams may bring their own custom bed or can borrow a bed from the hosts. Fees are $50 (until May 18) and $75 (after May 18) for teams who bring a bed and $100 for teams who borrow a bed. Teams compete head-to head in a double elimination bracket until a champion is crowned. Viewing of the race is free of charge.
The Bed Race will serve as the Noblesville Main Street June First Friday event. Booth spaces are available for $150 and also contribute to youth scholarships.
“The Bed Race is another way we can pool resources and valuable services that benefit the City of Noblesville and its partner organizations,” said NMS Executive Director Lorna Steele. “It also provides another great reason to spend the evening downtown before, during and after the race.”
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 317-773-4372 or e-mail arinehart@bgcni.org.