Bed Races Friday night , Parade Saturday – Historic Downtown Mocksville will race into the Christmas season this Friday night, November 20 as 18 intrepid teams from local businesses, non-profits and WXII-12 News take part in the 4th annual “Twas the Night Before” Bed Races.
The festivities will begin with the lighting of the Oaks and downtown businesses at dusk followed by the bed races at 6 pm.
New this Year – Parade of Beds, Surprise Events, WXII-12 Food Drive
Race participants, accompanied by their supporters, will parade up and down North Main Street, beneath the twinkling lights, showing off their slumber mobiles. There will be some surprise activities between the races that you won’t want to miss! In addition to racing, WXII-12 will be conducting a live feed as well as collecting non-perishable food for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Food donations should be placed in the race bed next to the WXII-12 van.
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 in order 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 to Gaither: beds must measure least 3′ x 6′ but can be no larger than 6′ x 8′ including any handles the pushers might use. (Teams need to be lined up no later than 6:00 PM for a pre-race inspection.)
$600 in Cash Prizes at Stake!
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. The Most Outrageous team will pick up $50, the Most Creative team will pick up $50, and even the Slowest team will pick up a $50 prize. The Total Package prize of $50 will go to the team with the best overall package… i.e. best overall appearance and combination of bed decoration, message and costumes.
Bleachers, Food & 2015 Ornaments
Main Street from Gaither Street to the corner of Main Street/601/64 will close at 5:30 pm in preparation for the race. Plenty of bleacher-seating will be available. O’Callahans, Restaurant 101, and Scoops will be open for hungry spectators, and food vendors will offer pizza and other snacks. Tree of honor forms and flags and the 2015 commemorative Christmas ornament will also be available.
Saturday – Hometown Christmas Parade ~ “Plowin’ Thru the Holidays”
The holidays would not be complete without the annual Hometown Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Davie County Chamber of Commerce. This year’s theme is “Plowin’ Thru the Holidays – a Celebration of Farming Heritage of Davie County” and will feature everything from walking groups, performers, horseback riders, single vehicles to full-blown floats. The parade will depart from Rich Park at 2 pm Saturday and will travel down Main Street, turn left on Depot Street, and end at Railroad Street where dismantling will begin. Prizes will be awarded for the best parade participants. First place wins $75; second place will receive $50; and third place earns $25.
Find Your Parade Seat Early and do a Little Christmas Shopping on Saturday!
Downtown merchants will be hosting their annual holiday open house from 10 am – 7 pm with refreshments and store specials. They would love to help you find the perfect gift for that special someone.
The 4 Oaks Event Center at 142 N. Main St. will be hosting Shopalooza from 11 am – 2 pm featuring 15 different vendors including local artisans as well as Thirty-One, Premier Jewelry, Scentsy, Origami Owl, and Stella Dot to name a few.
The Dewey’s Bakery holiday store is now open in the corner shop next to Restaurant 101. Stop by and buy a little something sweet to eat during the parade and support the Davie High Band, which receives 35 % of the proceeds.
Don’t forget to pick up your “Plowin’ Thru the Holidays” commemorative Christmas ornament. These beautiful tractor-shaped ornaments, which celebrate local agriculture and the Piedmont Antique Power Association’s commitment to the community, may be purchased for $8.00 at area merchants, banks, Town Hall and the Davie County Chamber of Commerce.
Questions?
For more information about the “Twas the Night Before” Bed Race, contact the Mocksville Tourism Development Authority at (336) 753-6700. For more information about the “Plowin’ Thru the Holidays” Christmas parade, contact the Davie County Chamber of Commerce at (336) 751-3304.