It's not only cooler, but it's a better time of year in that more people are in town to enjoy the event! Plus, hopefully, many of the offices in the Grove will be in town to participate, as in the past, many people would fly the coop (the Grove) for Labor Day weekend.
Another big change is the venue. Yes, it's still in the Center Grove, but Pit Row, the actual Race Track and the Race Village are now on South Bayshore Drive between Peacock Park and Mary Street! This will allow for more activities as there is much more space. And that big curve at the end of McFarlane and South Bayshore brings back many memories as that was the original track for the original Bed Race so many years ago.
This year's official charity is Dress for Success. The board of directors and subcommittee created just for this event, promises to outdo itself in bed decor and dress and takes their racing as seriously as fundraising for their cause.
Tickets for the race are $5 for adults, with the proceeds all going to Dress For Success. Kids under 12 enter free.
Local merchants and restaurant owners love the event but some are confused as to the reasoning behind the change. We'll explain more as time goes on. The good news is now there are two more months to prepare your beds!
"Mostly I'm curious why it was moved. Is it because it was too hot? If that's the case, I get it. Labor day weekend was great because it was the big kickoff to the season, but it was brutally hot last year. If it's being moved to November, that's a great alternative. I just hope it's promoted well. With it being moved, I hope people can find it. I think it's a great signature event for the grove, that we and all our customers look forward to all year. The girls from our race team will have even more time to train to defend their title. Shooting for the 4-peat!" says Alberto Borrero, co-owner of the Sandbar Grill. His team has won their category three years in a row.
Felice Dubin, co-owner of The Bookstore in the Grove and part of the Merchants Group, which puts on the Bed Race says, "I think it is a great move. It will not only bring more people to the event because it is a busier time of year but also give the Grovites who usually go away for the summer, an opportunity to enjoy it as well." Good point.
Olav Smit, owner of The Grove Spot, says, "The Bed Race was linked to a holiday/long weekend [Labor Day] and part of the Grove summer tradition, it is always sad to see change for economic or logistic reasons. We are losing more and more activities that were part of the Grove being groovy, anyhow The Grove Spot bed will be ready on November 3 or any day that the race will be run."
And of course Olav's team will have to be there as they are have been the grand champions for the last three years, so they surely will be back to defend their title.
Now would be a great time to sign up a team and get ready for the new, improved and I feel reinvigorated Great Grove Bed Race. Everyone is welcome to join in. South Miami, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, South Beach clubs, businesses, friends, come on in, build a bed and race! The info and forms are here: www.thegreatgrovebedrace.com.
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