Events

14^th Annual Pineapple Grove Bed Race: Proceeds for Local Charities 

DELRAY BEACH, FL – October 13, 2011 –   The Pineapple Grove Arts District of Delray Beach is sure to be packed with excited spectators on Friday, October 28^th while eight teams race down the center of Second Ave on beds competing for the top prize.  While the Battle of the Beds is arguably the wackiest event on the Delray Beach Marketing Cooperatives list of annual affairs, it may just be one of the most exciting. 

This bizarre tradition, in which a group of five determined team members run through the street pushing a metal framed bed on wheels, is one of the many creative events that have brought the Village by the Sea so much acclaim in recent years.  While the races themselves last only a short time, there is certainly no shortage of entertainment as DJ M, the voice of the Miami Heat, will be hosting an outrageous Halloween costume contest for the race teams and the public, so come ready to complete.  Costumes are encouraged for this event.  This year’s Bed Race event will be more action packed than ever before with the addition a pre-party sponsored by MacDonald's Flooring, including beer tents, food trucks and a classic car show beginning at 5 pm on the Great Lawn.  While the Race will begin at     6 pm, the party continues at Old School Square for the Friday Night Concert series at 7:30 pm featuring the “Hard Liquor Band.” 

The Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative, a nonprofit organization, has worked to create charity fundraising opportunities out of each event they produce.  Thanks to a few key sponsorships, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Ocean Properties Limited, Pineapple Grove Arts District, and Futuristicwoo, the 2011 Battle of the Beds will be run in the name of eight local charities.   While the teams that place first, second and third are awarded cash prizes, the charities will receive the proceeds from voting ticket sales.   “What makes the Bed Races such a fun event is the voting.  Voting begins at the Kick-Off party at Solita Delray on October 20^th and continues until the 6 pm on the day of the race and everyone who votes has the chance of winning a 3 day 2 night stay in Key West at the Weather Station Inn,”  Explains Sarah Martin, Executive Director of the Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative.  “For $10 you get 7 tickets, so there are 7 votes for 7 races.  You vote on a team before they race.  If they win and move on, so does your ticket.  The more correct votes, the better your chances,” Says Ryan Boylston, founder of Futuristicwoo and Pineapple Grove Board Member.

The competing teams each represent different Delray Beach businesses and community groups.  This year’s teams will be representing Real Time Media, O’Connor’s Pub, Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub, Tag Bar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Young Professionals of Delray Beach and the Delray Beach Marriott and the Education Foundation.  Come support the Delray Beach Business community and local charity organizations by purchasing your tickets for the 14^th Annual Pineapple Grove Bed Race.