Hello From Ottawa - Part 6 - The 26th Annual Bedzzz Races On Dow s Lake
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello From Ottawa - Part 6: The 26th Annual Bedzzz Races on Dow's Lake
Introduction
During my planning for a trip to Ottawa, one event in the Winterlude Festival captured my attention: the 26th Annual Bed Race at Dow's Lake.
Getting There
After a hearty breakfast at the Lord Elgin Hotel, Theresa and I laced up our skates and embarked on a journey along the world’s longest skating rink, the 7.8 km Rideau Canal Skateway, heading towards Dow's Lake for the Bed Race.
The Event's Background
Upon arrival, I met Steve Georgopoulos, a key organizer from the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa, which has been hosting the Bed Race for years. Steve, also the General Manager of Les Suites Hotel, explained the event's history?"originally organized by the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and rejuvenated by the Kiwanis Club in 2003 after a brief hiatus due to the Ice Storm.
A Worthy Cause
This year's race aimed to raise around $50,000 for the Kiwanis Read-A-Thon, an initiative encouraging children to read more. With participation from 47 schools and 17,000 students, it aims to inspire young readers.
Participants and Rules
Forty teams participated, including groups from the Ottawa Police, Fire Fighters, Algonquin College, and local hotels. A family team also joined, celebrating an 80th birthday last year. The event has specific rules: beds must be at least 1.8 m by 0.9 m, with metal frames for safety, and are not allowed on skis or skates.
Categories and Sponsors
Participants competed in speed, decor, and fundraising categories. Bedzzz was the title sponsor, with Allstream as the presenting sponsor.
The Celebrities and Atmosphere
The event was emceed by Ottawa celebrity Max Keeping, who warmly welcomed spectators, referring to Ottawa as "Every Canadian's second home town." We also chatted about Winterlude, which turns the harsh winter into a festive celebration.
The Races
As the races commenced, teams gave their all. Some beds weren’t exactly aerodynamic and even disintegrated on the course, providing comedic relief as I captured the chaos on skates. Despite the challenges, everyone had a fantastic time.
Winners and Conclusion
Ultimately, Apollo Property Management won the fundraising category, while the International Union of Elevator Constructors - Local 96 claimed the speed title. The best decorated bed went to the Gordon Group, followed closely by Les Suites Hotel.
All in all, the event was a success, offering laughter, fun, and funds for a noble cause.
More Information
For a detailed account and photos, please visit [Travel and Transitions](http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/ottawa_bedzz_races.htm).
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Hello From Ottawa - Part 6 - The 26th Annual Bedzzz Races On Dow s Lake.
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