Historic Downtown Mocksville will race into the Christmas season this Friday night, November 18th, as whacky, whimsical, and outrageous teams from local businesses and non-profits participate in the 10th annual “Twas the Night Before” Bed Race. (Rain date November 19th)
The festivities will begin with the lighting of the downtown businesses at dusk, followed by the Parade of Beds at 6 p.m. and the first race at 6:30 p.m.
$700 in Cash Prizes at Stake!
Presented by the Mocksville Tourism Authority and sponsored by Liberty Storage Solutions, the annual “Twas The Night Before Bed Race” has become one of Mocksville’s most popular events, with dozens of teams competing for the cheers of the fans and $700 in cash prizes.
At stake are prizes for speed and creativity. The fastest team will take home a cool $200 in cash, while the runner-up will collect $125, and the third-place finisher will roll away with $75. There is a $100 prize for the most original bed and $100 for the team with the best team spirit. The Total Package prize of $100 will go to the team with the best overall package… i.e., the best overall appearance and combination of bed decoration, message, and costumes.
Exactly How Does a Bed Race Work?
Like any sprint, the goal of the bed race is to go from point A to point B in the shortest time possible—but these recumbent racers do have to follow a few basic rules to compete for the bevy of cash prizes. Each team consists of four pushers and one rider, all at least 15 years old, and the rider must sit or lie flat on the bed during the race. Themed clothing or costumes are strongly encouraged, even pajamas are appropriate.
Beds must have four wheels that stay in contact with the road at all times, and the only source of propulsion allowed is the four pushers. Oh, and you won’t be seeing any King Louis beds careening down the 485-foot stretch of Main Street that runs from Depot Street to Gaither Street: beds must measure at least 3′ x 6′ but can be no larger than 6′ x 8′ including any handles the pushers might use. (Teams must be lined up no later than 5:30 p.m. for a pre-race inspection.)
Street Closings Begin at 5 p.m.
- Both North and South Main Street will be CLOSED at 5 p.m. No parking will be allowed on North Main. If you are parked on South Main, you will not be able to move your car between 5-8:30 p.m.due to barricades at the 64/601 crossing ( near Presbyterian Church).
- Horn Street & East Depot intersection will be CLOSED after 5 p.m.
- West Depot & 117 S. Clement Street will be closed at 5 p.m. Folks are encouraged to park at Town Hall Parking Lot.
- Gaither Street & and the intersection with North Main Street will be CLOSED after 5 p.m.
Please bring your own chair. O’Callahans, Restaurant 101, La Vita E Bella, The Factory Coffeehouse, and Scoops will be open for hungry spectators. The Boy Scouts will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers on the corner next to 4 Oaks Tavern and there will be food trucks onsite.
Arrive early and check out Mocksville’s unique boutiques for that perfect gift!
Spectators are reminded not to run in the street during the heats of the race and to practice safety while crossing all crosswalks.
For updates, check the Twas the Night Before Bed Race Facebook page.
