The 'Great Lakeside Bed Race' taking to the streets

Beds will come out of the bedrooms and take to the streets in Brockport for the Great Lakeside Bed Race on July 23.

The event will be a fundraiser for the hospital and was proposed to village officials several months ago by Cora Goyette of the Lakeside Foundation. "We have 12 beds signed up - that's great considering it's our first year."

Goyette said the beds will race down Main Street (which will be closed) from the Canal to State Street. On the way, they will be required to stop at various points and complete tasks. "The rider will have to jump off the bed, throw a huge die, when they get a six they jump back on the next stop. There they will have to change the bed linen and race to the pizzeria, eat a slice of pizza and race to the finish," she said.

Goyette said the creativity of the event will sustain the next generation of hospital fundraisers. "This is something that has been tried by very few and could be a huge success," she said.

Mary Lynn Siciliano, manager at Brockport Federal Credit Union, has assembled a team for the race. "I think it will be hysterical," she said. "I can't wait to see how creative the teams get with decorating the beds."

In addition to the "fun" aspect of the event, Siciliano said the event is a unique way to support Lakeside and the services if offers to the community.

The beds were donated by Lakeside and Genesee Hospital together with the Highlands in Brighton. City Mattress donated 20 mattresses.

Each team consists of five members - one rider and four pushers. There is an entry fee of $250 for corporations and $150 for non-corporate participants and Goyette said she is still accepting teams.

Check in begins at 9 a.m. on July 23, the parade begins at 10, judging of beds at 11 and the race beings at noon. For information call Goyette at Lakeside at 395-6049.

July 16, 2006