LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) -The Kentucky Derby Festival offers dozens of events every year around Derby time. One of which includes the Samtec Great Bed Races at Broadbent Arena.
Grab four of your co-workers, build a bed on wheels, decorate it, dress in a ridiculous costume—and then race to the finish. That pretty much sums up the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Bed Races.
Each year, thousands of enthusiasts gather to cheer on more than 30 teams, while on-air personalities from WAVE News anchor the live coverage from every angle, from the crowd to the parade of beds, to every last heat.
The theme of the 36th annual event was “Happy Derby: Pink Out Party!” Competitors are encouraged to decorate their beds and wear costumes in pink, one of the signature shades of the Kentucky Derby Festival.
Schedule of Events | Monday, April 28
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- 1 PM: Tailgate Party Starts
- 6 PM: Parade of Beds
- 7 PM: Races Begin
Admission is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin and parking is $15. The dormitory area will be staged outside Broadbent Arena. Bed racing fans are invited to come out early at 1 p.m. and join the tailgate party.
The participating teams had the opportunity to showcase their costumes and bed in a pre-race parade around the racing surface, beginning at 6 p.m. The first heat began at 7 p.m.
The races featured two 600-feet divisions – the Fun Division and the Champions Division. Teams also compete for prizes for time, costumes and decorations. Prizes were awarded to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as awards for the “Cone Eater,” “Best Decorated Bed,” and “Most Entertaining.”
Texas Roadhouse was the overall winner. This was the team’s second year taking home the first-place title. In second was Best-One Louisville and third Samtec.
In the fun division, Vessels Plumbing, Heating & Cooling took the title. Pace contracting and ZEON came in second and third.
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ZEON received the Best Decorated Bed award. Most Entertaining went to Rubbies Southside Grill & Bar. The People Choice Award saw UA Local 502 take top spot. LG&E scored coveted Cone Eater award
Full list of Kentucky Derby Festival events.
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