It’s the fastest, zaniest competition in Cloverdale, and it’s steeped in legend – and, more importantly, bragging rights.
Who will win the coveted bed pan trophy this year? Find out Thursday, May 19.
With the 39th annual Cloverdale Bed Races just over a month away, organizers are putting the call out for teams.
Traditionally held the Thursday before the Cloverdale Rodeo, the races are a mix of creative team names, kooky costumes and head-spinning displays of speed. Teams compete in heats in one of four categories. There are prizes for best dressed and for top teams.
The original beds in 1977 were beds on wheels, and the race was a six-block gauntlet through historic Cloverdale.
These days, the beds are built to newer specs, and are faster and easier to handle, and the course shorter: It’s held on 176A Street between 58 and 57 Avenues.
The races are a popular, family-friendly event that always draw a crowd.
Teams consist of six pushers (three are needed in each direction), plus one rider. Mens’ teams have six men and a female rider, and Ladies’ teams have six women and one male rider. Media and Mixed divisions must include at least one female pusher.
The competition can be fierce, with seemingly well-advantaged teams such as those out of Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary’s athletics departments going head-to-head with those fielded by local organizations and businesses.
Last year’s thrilling finale featured a dazzling upset in the mens' category, with the Lord Tweedsmuir boys track and field team capturing the bed pan from five-time successive champion Turkey’s Party Makers. The cheers could be heard across Surrey.
The races are sponsored by the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce, the Cloverdale BIA and the Cloverdale Rodeo.
For more information contact Cindy O’Brien Hugh at 604-574-4328, the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce at 604-574-9802 or the Cloverdale BIA at 604-576-3155. Registration forms are available at 5748 176 Street, Cloverdale, or online at cloverdale.bc.ca/events.htm, or cloverdalebia.com.
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