Bed Race to Roll Through Downtown Key West

This year’s Conch Republic Blue Ribbon Bed Race is to be a fundraiser for the Sister Season Fund, which provides financial assistance to hospitality and tourism employees who are temporarily out of work because of illness, accident or a natural disaster. The race is typically among the most popular events of the annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration, which commemorates the Florida Keys’ symbolic 1982 secession from the United States.

This year, race organizers have waived the usual entry fee, so both entering and viewing the challenge are free of charge. Events are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. with registration, lineup and inspection of the festive beds. A parade of beds is to follow, and the race is set to kick off at 3 p.m. The awards ceremony is scheduled at 6 p.m.