May 1, 2017 Louisville, KY. – Beds on wheels will be in high gear today as they participate in the Thorntons Kentucky Derby Festival Great Bed Races. More than 40 teams are expected to race their decorated beds on wheels around the figure-eight course.
The theme of the 28th annual event is “Race for the Cup,” and to match the theme, competitors are encouraged to decorate their beds and wear costumes. The dormitory area will be staged outside Broadbent Arena. Bed racing fans are invited to come out early at 4 p.m. and join the tailgate party. The participating teams will have an opportunity to showcase their costumes and bed in a pre-race parade around the racing surface, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The first heat begins at 7 p.m. Admission is a 2017 Pegasus Pin.
The races feature two 600-feet divisions – the Fun Division and the Champions Division. Teams also compete for prizes for fastest times and most outrageous costumes and decorations. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as awards for the “Cone Eater,” “Best Decorated Bed,” and “Most Entertaining.” Winners will also be invited to appear in the Pegasus Parade on Thursday, May 5.
Thorntons is the Title Sponsor of the Great Bed Races. Contributing sponsors are Ashley Furniture Homestore of Louisville, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 369, and Safelite AutoGlass; along with Media Partner: 107.7 The Eagle. Broadcast special on WAVE 3 TV.
About Thorntons Inc.: Founded by Kentucky native James H. Thornton in 1971, Thorntons Inc. is one of the leading independent gasoline and convenience chain retailers in the U.S., currently operating throughout the Midwest under the brand name Thorntons. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Thorntons operates 180 gasoline and convenience stores, car washes and travel plazas in six states: Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Florida. Thorntons distributes its petroleum products through its wholly owned Thornton Transportation Company and operates a river bulk storage terminal in Louisville. For more information visit www.thorntonsinc.com and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thorntonsinc and Twitter at www.twitter.com/thorntonsinc.
About Kentucky Derby Festival: Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
