April 26, 2021. Louisville, KY. – There were lots of beds at the Kentucky Exposition Center tonight, but none were for sleeping. Beds with wheels competed in the Ashley HomeStore Kentucky Derby Festival Great Bed Races. Nearly 20 teams pushed their decorated beds on an outdoor drag-race style course, competing for the fastest times. Bluegrass Karting won the Champions Division with a time of 26.7 seconds. Premier Packaging won the Fun Division with a time of 33.4 seconds.
The theme of this year’s event, “Sweet Dreams,” had teams decorating their beds in everything from Cotton Candy and Strawberry Shortcake to “Go Baby Go” Baby costumes, Oompa Loompas, Tutus and Pajamas. Prizes went to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as for the “Best Decorated Bed,” “Most Entertaining,” and “Cone Eater” categories.
The results of the 32nd annual competition:
2021 Results – Champions Division:
First: Bluegrass Karting – 26.7
Second: Zoeller Strong (Zoeller Pump Company) – 27.8
Third: Texas Roadhouse – 29.8
2021 Results – Fun Division:
First – Premier Packaging – 33.4
Second – Drexel Metals – 35.2
Third – BackyardBookie.com – 35.9
Best Decorated Bed: Zeon Chemical Team (Strawberry Shortcake)
Most Entertaining: Rubbies Southside Grill & Bar Team (“Go Baby Go” – Dressed up in baby costumes)
Cone Eater Award: Fit4Moms Team
Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, this year’s event was not open to the public, just to the participating teams.
First held in 1990 on the cobblestone streets of downtown Louisville in Theatre Square as “Bedlam in the Streets,” this event has exploded in popularity. Now in its 32nd year, it continues to attract participants from small local businesses to five-man teams from large corporations.
Ashley HomeStore is the Title Sponsor of the Great Bed Races, joining Contributing sponsors Drexel Metals, Kentucky Venues and Texas Roadhouse, and Media Sponsors 107.7 The Eagle. Official Broadcast Partner is WAVE 3 News.
