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Make Your Bed—and Race It

On Sunday, May 17, passersby will witness a peculiar scene along Meeting House Lane on the Madison Town Green—between the brightly costumed teams, beds strewn about, and plenty of shouting, it may seem like a furniture delivery truck had a fender bender with a parade float.

It’s time to assemble a team for the second annual Madison Chamber of Commerce Bed Race.

“A bed race is an event where the entrants take an existing bed and put wheels on it or construct something that resembles a bed with wheels,” said Chamber Director Eileen Banisch, who is chairing the event. “There’s one person riding and four people pushing.”

Each bed is raced on its own against a stopwatch, and the team with the fastest time at the end of the day will earn the Silver Bedpan Trophy. In addition to the top prize, prizes will also be awarded for the bed Most in Need of Improvement, as well as the Most Creative, which will be voted on by the public.

While the racing kicks off at 1 p.m., the fun starts at noon with a parade of beds from the Academy School and Chamber office to the Green. The entrants will be accompanied by members of the middle school’s marching band.

“It’s really fun,” said Banisch. “People enjoy seeing each of the beds go by.”

In last year’s inaugural event, which was initiated by Chamber member Ed Pellegrino, more than 1,000 attended the event, with 25 beds competing in the race. Banisch is hoping for a similar turnout this year.

“It had been a bad winter—and this year has been even worse—and we just wanted a great way to welcome spring,” said Banisch. “It’s been such a bad winter; hopefully the snow will be melted by then.”

Luckily, Rule 2.4.2 under “Bed Design and Construction” takes the possibility of snow into account: “Wheels may have solid or pneumatic tires. If Madison public schools are delayed or closed due to snow on the Friday prior to the race, snow tires are required.” For a full list of rules, visit www.madisonct.com/?p=4836.

Registration for teams of five ($50) is now underway. Team members must be at least 14 years old. Banisch noted that past teams have included businesses, civic organizations, groups of friends, and families. The registration fee supports the event, as well as the Chamber’s general fund.

“Everyone from the community is welcome,” she said.

Local businesses are also involved as sponsors. California King Sponsors include William Raveis Real Estate, Page Taft Real Estate, Madison Beach Hotel, The Country School, and Middlesex Urgent Care. Regular Double Bed Sponsors include Essex Savings Bank, Guilford Savings Bank, J&J Autoworks, Jaluria Law LLC, Madison Auto Body, Madison Jaycees, Madison Rotary Club, Sonas Med Spa, Tidewater Inn, Vista Vocational & Life Skills, and Watrous Nursing Center.

In addition to the parade and the race, there will also be music and face painting. The Rotary will sell hot dogs and other refreshments. There are also volunteer “referees,” complete with whistles and flags.

“That was a really fun aspect last year,” said Banisch. “They really had a good time with it.”

For information or to register, visit www.madisonct.com.