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Who would’ve thunk it?
Tami Langdon, that’s who. And Denise Hendrix, that’s who.
We’re talking about bed races.
Langdon, now Mocksville’s community development coordinator, and Hendrix, then with the chamber of commerce, ran with the idea years ago. They’re still putting on a quality event that is not only enjoyed by many, but ushers in the Christmas season here in Davie County.
When I first heard the proposal, it made my eybrows arch a bit. A bed race? What the heck is that? After a little bit of education on what would actually happen, I thought that’s not a bad idea. It could work elsewhere, but in Mocksville? I thought, there’s no way a little country town like Mocksville, full of conservatives and traditionalists, would embrace the idea of their neighbors getting onto a bed on wheels and being pushed down Main Street.
But it worked, and it worked well.
Nowadays, the annual ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Bed Race draws thousands to Downtown Mocksville for a night of music and dancing, food and frolic, and, of course, bed races.
Every year, it’s been a blast.
Between races, there’s dancing in the streets. Expect a few surprises during those times this year, but yes, still bring your dancing shoes.
It’s hard to tell who has the most fun, the participants or the spectators.
The participants, well, they take the task seriously. Sure, there’s cash prizes for the winners, but that’s not the goal. The goal is to design the most outrageous or decorated bed that can really be pushed and maneuvered down the street faster than the other competitors. Some of them work well, and others, well, they create a lot of excitement.
It’s fun. A lot of fun.
This year’s event is Friday night. Expect crowds, so arrive early, maybe even dine in a restaurant or at a food truck downtown. Consider parking in the town hall or Junker’s Mill parking lots. Main Street downtown – as well as a portion of Depot Street downtown – will be closed at 5 p.m., with the beds being presented at 6 p.m. prior to the races.
But the bed races are just the beginning.
Downtown Mocksville will be illuminated with the white lights outlining buildings starting on Friday night. There will be activities right up until Christmas, including carolers on the street and horse and buggy rides.
This year, Bermuda Run is stepping up its Christmas game, as well. Organizers there were so impressed with the white lights on Mocksville’s buildings that they are planning the same for their town. It will start this year, with more buildings being added each year thereafter. They envision folks coming to Davie County and visiting both towns to see the lights. They, too, have a season full of activities planned.
And we have Cooleemee, which yearly has old-fashioned Christmas programs with Santa and cookies, a parade and sing-a-longs.
We can’t forget the Christmas parade in Advance. It’s always a lot of fun.
Yes, the Christmas season in Davie County begins this Friday. The bed race will surely put you in the mood – a good mood.
And after stuffing your face on Thanksgiving, check back for all of the holiday activities planned throughout our little neck in the woods. Surely you can find at least one that suits your fancy.
So get ready. It’s Christmas time in Davie County.
– Mike Barnhardt