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Monday, August 05, 2013

Changes at the Great Grove Bed Race

The 2013 Great Grove Bed Race is getting a makeover this year, sort of like making your bed, but only better. There are a few changes in store, for one, the date has moved from the usual Labor Day weekend to Sunday, November 3!

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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7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

They are charging to get in now ? Wow that's why it's moved dates and locations. I predict less people. Greedy Mo Fu's. The people putting it on needed more money for themselves since only 10% goes to the charity!

August 06, 2013 11:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

While the temp will be lower, I'm not crazy about charging an entry fee nor about it being on a Sunday. One of the best parts of the Race was having the next day off so everyone was able to visit the local bars and restaurants after without having to worry about waking up early the next morning.

August 06, 2013 3:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It used to be free and know it is $5. It should be free for grove residents. I look at their page and it say come race with over 30,000 people watching we all know that is not true. free for those in the grove.

August 06, 2013 9:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

They are also selling VIP tix and grandstand seats. I am sure there will be fencing surrounding the event giving it a caged in feel. Totally lame charging for this event in any capacity. The company putting on the event sucks, hires all their cronies and sucks up to anyone they need. Also again only a small percentage goes to charity so they keep the rest and somehow all the proceeds get used up putting on the event. Fishy big time. Once again they are ruining a Grove tradition event to line their pockets.

August 06, 2013 11:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

how is it being AWAY from the business district going to HELP the grove financially?

NOT MUCH!

November is jam-packed full of events already; there's no day-off the next day to recover.

I predict FAIL!

August 07, 2013 12:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Grove bed races will not be the same. People will be having less fun knowing that they will have to go back to work on Monday,pay $5 admittion to sit on bleachers, and notr being close by to get a drink or food from the bars restaurant ( Sand Bar). I rather rent a room at the Mutiny facing Bayshore and through my own paty. They are trying to make this like all other events that used to be free admission ( beer fest....)The bed races is somthing very COCONUT GROVE and should be kept that way. What do i get for a VIP ticket really this is just bed races.

August 07, 2013 8:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When is the 2017 bed race?

October 17, 2017 12:40 PM  

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