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Historic Downtown Mocksville will race into the Christmas season Friday night, Nov. 22 (rain date Nov. 23) as wacky, whimsical, and outrageous teams from local businesses, non-profits, and the community take part in the 7th annual “Twas the Night Before” Bed Race.

The festivities begin with the lighting of the downtown businesses at dusk followed by the parade of beds at 6 p.m. and the bed races at 6:30. Although not racing this year, WXII will be broadcasting live from the event.

This year’s race will feature a new course, race times, and a mid-race challenge.

This year’s race will start on South Main Street, continue around a quad onto Depot Street and around another quad, turn down North Main Street and the orange cones. At the cones, the four team members pushing the bed will “Chinese Fire Drill” around the bed and take up a new position around the bed and then sprint back down Main Street towards the finish line.

At stake are prizes for speed and creativity.

The fastest team will take home $200 in cash, while the runner-up will collect $125 and the third-place finisher will roll away with $75. There are $50 prizes for the most original bed and the team with the best team spirit. The Total Package prize of $50 will go to the team with the best overall package… i.e. best overall appearance and combination of bed decoration, message, and costumes.

Like any sprint, the goal of the bed race is to go from point A to point B in the shortest time possible—but these recumbent racers do have to follow a few basic rules to compete for the bevy of cash prizes. Each team consists of four pushers and one rider, all at least 15 years old, and the rider must sit or lie flat on the bed during the race. Themed clothing or costumes are strongly encouraged, even pajamas are appropriate.

Beds must have four wheels that stay in contact with the road at all times, and the only source of propulsion allowed is the four pushers. Teams need to be lined up no later than 5:30 p.m. for pre-race inspection.

Donations will be collected again for A Storehouse for Jesus. Bring non-perishable and canned goods to the WXII hospitality tent near the Davie County Courthouse.

Main Street from Gaither Street to Main Street/601/64 will be closed.  East Depot Street to Horn Street, as well as Water Street to West Depot Street will close at 5:30 p.m. . Plenty of bleacher-seating will be available.

Local restaurants will be open, and vendors will sell funnel cake, hotdogs, and pizza.