Holiday season kicks off in Preston with bed races

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Story Published: Nov 28, 2009 at 9:20 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 29, 2009 at 6:06 PM MDT

By Wes Horrocks

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POCATELLO - Preston City kicked of the Idaho Festival of Lights Saturday afternoon with the annual Night Before Christmas International Bed Races.

And for those of you who have never seen it you're missing out.

Imagine a mix between bob-sledding, a track meet, and teams of people dressed up in long-johns.

Then maybe you can understand why so many people lined the streets in Preston Saturday.

This is the first day the Down Under Sports team has seen their bed. Dustin Vetica, a team member said, "We're just going to run as hard as we can, and give it a go." But it's not easy.

Each 10-person team has to run with a bed and rider down State St.

In the middle, the rider, who is dressed in a robe and helmet, jumps off and switches places with a second rider. Lance Wolfley, a pusher on the winning team said, "It's all in the switch-over. It's all in the switch-over, everything."

Although speed does come in handy. Vetica said, "I ran track in college, and I love it-the competition part of it. I'm a little bit nervous, but it'll be fun."

The event is hosted by the Franklin County Medical Center as a way to bring the community together. Tracie Jensen, FCMC Public Relations said, "Most of these people are businesses and families combined."

Plus, its fun to watch groups of people running wildly down the middle of town. Jensen said, "Our town loves this kind of stuff."

Only four teams competed this year, which is a decrease from the past.

Organizers believe it could be because people were under the impression that the entire festival is smaller. "We're very happy to get as many teams as we can," said Jensen.

And in the end, with at time of 38 seconds, Groll Family Fitness has extended their winning streak. Wolfley said, "It's a lot of fun. It's a lot of fun for everybody watching, a lot of fun for the participants, and we all like a good competition."

Along with bragging rights the top three teams also won some cash and other prizes.

Other activities will be held throughout December in Preston to celebrate the Idaho Festival of Lights.

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