Applications for Cloverdale’s famous bed races have opened.
Hosted by the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association, the 45th Cloverdale Bed Races will take place May 15. Applications can be filled out on the BIA’s website.
"We are thrilled to be bringing back this fun and family-friendly event," said Paul Orazietti, the executive director of the Cloverdale BIA. "Each year, it's fantastic to see so many businesses, organizations, teams, and school groups take part and have good old-fashioned fun."
Billed as the unofficial kickoff to Rodeo weekend (the official kickoff is the Cloverdale Rodeo luncheon), the “Running of the Beds,” as it is known, has rolled up and down Cloverdale's downtown core since 1977. (For math enthusiasts, yes 1977 plus 45 does not equal 2025—three years were missed because of COVID-caused cancellations.)
Orazietti added there is a renewed energy among organizers to enhance the bed races. Along with the BIA, he noted the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce and the Cloverdale Rodeo are instrumental partners in putting the event together.
"It really is a shared event," he said. "There's a lot more effort going into it this year and we're going to try and increase the prize money as well."
He said the races always showcase an event from the rodeo and country fair, lately that's been the freestyle skateboarders. Orazietti expects them back this year.
Orazietti said there'll be a lot of family-focused activities May 15, including balloon art, face painting, clowns, a Western-themed bike parade, and some "surprises" too.
He added a good-natured feud between some East Surrey schools and Langley schools is percolating.
"Brookswood has a stylized Volkswagen and has come away victorious,” Orazietti noted. “This year, the Cloverdale schools will be looking to make a comeback and recapture some former glory."
He said over the years the bed races have had some highs and lows and even had some international exposure.
"We've received some press in China,” he explained. “We were in one of the major newspapers there.”
Orazietti said while they're focusing on entrants now, they're always open to sponsors and anyone who would like to sponsor the bed races can reach out to the Cloverdale BIA either through their website or through email at cloverdalebia@telus.net.
“The BIA encourages all participants and attendees to support local business and consider making May 15 a night to shop at our local shops and have dinner at a local restaurant,” he added.
Registration for the Cloverdale Bed Races is open until Friday, May 9.
For more information, or to fill out an application to race, visit cloverdalebia.com.
