The Beds are Back
The Coconut Grove Bed Races return
By LIZ TRACY
Updated 12:04 PM EDT, Sun, Sep 6, 2009
It’s Labor Day weekend and the point is to not get out of bed. Luckily, the Great Grove Bed Race is back after a six year hiatus, and you can head down to the Grove and watch other people stay in bed.
Yes, the beds will be again rolling and the crowds will still be cheering. Hundreds will brave the elements to support their favorite homemade bed on wheels, racing for the prize. Sounds strange? It’s more funny than anything else. That and fun.
The race is part of a rich Grove tradition, one that values humor and innovation; attributes the community is proud to honor. The way it works is that two beds roll down the street. Each bed has a team of five members with four of them pushing and one of them riding. They run a total of four races. As they race the clock, only the fastest eight make it to the finals. Prizes are based on appearance and efficiency. The new organizers are The Grove Merchant Group, which consists of local businesses who sponsor the beds.
The Grand Marshall this year is known by racing fans and television junkies alike. Helio Castroneves, three-time Indy 500 champion and winner of Dancing with the Stars, will be leading the celebration. The races take place from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. There will be a post race celebration and a Pajama Pub Crawl. The crawl costs $20, which benefits the Alonzo Mourning Charities. Register for the crawl at Fat Tuesdays at 6, and get to drinking while wearing your bedtime favorites at 7.
Read more of Liz Tracy's Miami missives on her blog, Miami, bro.
First Published: Sep 5, 2009 5:19 PM EDT
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