Editor, The Independent:
No entry fees for Bed Races! The Oktoberfest Bed Race Planning Workgroup recently met and decided to eliminate the race registration fee. Although this is a fundraising event, the workgroup is hoping not only to increase bed race participation but also to increase awareness about Shiawassee County residents who do not have a home. The Oct. 2 registration deadline remains the same.
Three awards will be given the day of the race: Fastest Team, Most Outrageous – chosen by a panel of three judges, and Golden Spirit – given to the team who raises the most money for Shiawassee County Emergency Housing. All monies raised will go toward emergency shelter in Shiawassee County. All three awards will be presented immediately following the races at the finish line.
The Bed Race will be at 1 p.m. in downtown Owosso on Saturday, Oct. 10. A parade of beds will be 8 a.m. to noon at the Downtown Owosso Farmers Market, on the corner of Exchange and Ball streets.
Teams who register prior to Friday, Oct. 2 will receive free admission into the Oktoberfest Beer Tent. For a Bed Race Registration form and “Rules of the Road,” persons may contact Penny Corbin at (989) 723-0755 or check on Facebook at Oktoberfest in Owosso.
The Shiawassee Homeless Coalition strives to address the root causes and conditions of homelessness in Shiawassee County. Their vision is to provide a unified and effective approach for improving and increasing affordable housing options and resolving issues that lead to homelessness.
The Bed Race is one of the few events the coalition has sponsored to bring awareness and to raise money to help those in immediate need. If you would like to join in the effort to help those who are without a home, please send your generous donation to: Shiawassee Homeless Coalition, P.O. Box 428, Owosso, MI 48867.
Oktoberfest Bed Races Committee