NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Fall Foliage Charity Bed Race, now in its third year, is moving to a new date. The race had been held the day before the Fall Foliage Parade but this year, the event will kick off Fall Foliage Week.
The racing down Main Street will begin at noon sharp on Saturday, Sept. 26.
"I think it's an excellent opportunity," said bed race founder and co-Chairman Brian L. Flagg. "It gives us an entirely new chance to market the event and to bring people into downtown on a day when they might not necessarily be there."
The Fall Foliage Charity Bed Race's goal is to raise money for local organizations. This year, it has once again earmarked the proceeds to benefit Northern Berkshire Healthcare. NBH President and CEO Richard Palmisano has participated in the race previously and said he is grateful for the focus the race brings to his organization.
"We very appreciative for what the bed race has done," said Palmisano. "Since its inception, NBH has been the beneficiary of these proceeds. The funds have been used to provide care for people who can't afford it and that is very important in this difficult time."
Gala Restaurant & Bar and The Orchards Hotel in Williamstown is the new sponsor of the event going forward. Orchards general manager Bernie English has just had his first exposure to the bed race.
"I wasn't familiar with this event but after talking with Brian (also Gala's manager) about it, I decided we needed to do this," said English. "It is very community focused in that it involves the citizens and helps them at the same time. We are very focused on being involved locally and this a great place to start."
Teams of five — four pushing and one sitting — race a donated or custom-built bed down Main Street, with a stop halfway to switch out the bed-sitter. Racing is done in heats until the top bed teams emerge to roll for the championship.
The event has attracted teams from various businesses and local organizations along with an enthusiastic crowd to cheer them on.
Registration forms will be available soon. For more information, to enter a bed or to volunteer to help on race day call 413-281-0068 or e-mail foliagebedrace@hotmail.com.
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