GREENFIELD — With a bed race sponsored by the Forty and Eight, you may be inclined to think along the lines of forty winks and eight hours of sleep.
But it’s doubtful anyone will be sleeping on Sept. 8 when the Forty and Eight veterans’ honor society barricades North Street between Pennsylvania and State for the inaugural Four Post 400 Bed Race Challenge.
The bed race challenge will pit teams of five (four runners and a rider) against each other in a double-elimination tournament as they race down North Street for a trophy, a cash prize and bragging rights.
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The winning team will receive a trophy and $300; second place will earn $200; and third place wins $100. Prizes will also be awarded for best themed bed and best costumes.
With the proceeds going toward nursing scholarships, the festivities start at noon with the Parade of Beds, similar to the parade lap at the Indianapolis 500 motor car race.
“It’s a photo op,” explains event organizer Dennis Dunn, “where teams and team member families can get their photos taken on their beds.”
Following the presentation of the colors and remarks from invited dignitaries, races will get underway. Beds teams will race in heats, two at a time and side-by-side.
But race organizers weren’t content to offer a simple down and back race. Teams, guiding hard-to-push beds, must maneuver their way between three barrels — the third at the turn-around point. Teams must also swap out the rider with one of the runners at the half-way point before heading back to the finish line.
Historically, the Forty and Eight is a veterans’ honor society. It draws its name from a World War I military experience. Troops in France were moved to the front lines in box cars which could carry either 40 men or eight horses — hence Forty and Eight. The group batted around several ideas for a new fundraiser, Dunn said, before the deciding on a bed race.
“The bed race sparked everyone’s attention,” Dunn said.
In addition to the bed races, the event will also feature a vendor area with face painting and other activities. Spectators can purchase food, lemon shake-up and kettle corn.
Registration remains open for teams wishing to participate. The cost is $75 per team. Visit 40and8voiture1415.org/bed-race for bed specifications, rules and a registration form, or for more information, call 317-975-0023.
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Racing spots for organizations and groups are still open for the Sept. 8 Four-Post 400 Bed Race Challenge. Registration is $75 a team. Visit 40and8voiture1415.org for rules and to download a registration form. Call 317-975-0023.
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