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Madi Long
Two popular characters from the float parade that preceded the Bed Race, Railroad Ray and Captain Canaan, served as announcers, welcoming spectators to the tongue-in-cheek “250th Annual Bed Race.”
The Well Drillers team sets off on the bed raceRuth Epstein
As the teams prepared to race, Jordan Long of The Royal Flush made his intentions clear.
“If we lose, I will be sorely disappointed,” Long said. “The bed race is everything, it’s always been everything. This is for all the marbles.”
The three teams took turns racing along Main Street, each hoping to post the fastest time.
Each team consisted of four runners and one rider and raced approximately 30 meters. Spectators cheered as the makeshift carts sped down the street, occasionally veering off course.
The Royal Flush crossed the finish line in 20.2 seconds to defend its title. The Canaan Fire Company finished second, just 0.15 seconds behind.
The Canaan Fire Company rallies the crowd. Madi Long
“We’ll come back stronger next year,” said Canaan Fire Company team member Tori Dodge after the close race.
The bed race was moved to Main Street this year in an effort to attract more spectators and encourage greater participation in the event.
Now a Summer Nights of Canaan tradition — and before that, a staple of Railroad Days, a multi-day summer festival dating to the early 1990s — the Bed Race was revived five years ago by Will and Samantha Perotti after the event had been dormant for several years.
“I remember going to them just as a kid before we could participate, when they were held on Railroad Street,” said Perotti. “They were super popular, and the people back then actually had real gurney beds or hospital beds with wheels. It’s more of a cart race now, but a bed race sounds way funnier.”
Even with the evolution of the race, Perotti said its appeal hasn’t changed.
“It’s always impressive to me that people wander out of their houses to watch us act like idiots.”
Carnival lights brightened the night sky and the day was filled with family fun as organizers and volunteers rescheduled the Summer Nights of Canaan Carnival to Sunday, July 19, after Saturday’s storm forced a last-minute cancellation.
Madi Long
Down at Bunny McGuire Park, the carnival was in full swing. Fun-seekers of all ages twirled around on rides or floated up high on the Ferris wheel. Among them was Michael Kahler, who at 92, insisted he wanted to go for a spin on something. Jason at the Dizzy Dragon welcomed him and his daughter Sharon, and even helped him get in and out of the ride.
When done, Kahler, displaying a wide grin, gave a thumbs-up when asked what he thought of the experience.
“It was a little scary,” said Sharon Kahler after disembarking. “The last time I went on a ride with my father was at least 50 years ago.”
Children and their parents were also out in full force. Brian Famigletti and his son Milo of Canaan enjoyed the swirling teacup ride, while Mollee Alquesta and her son Harry of Torrington were successful at the Spyr-o Mania game of chance, walking away with a stuffed animal.
Over at St. Martin of Tours Church, the line was long as patrons waited for their chicken barbecue meals. While no one was quite sure how long the tradition has been going on, most were sure it has been at least 40 years.
Michael O’Connor was cooking chicken on the grill. The menu also included corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, cole slaw, drinks and ice cream for dessert. The tab was $20, with many taking leftovers home.
Perry Gasperini, who was in charge this year, proudly pointed to the new structure over the grill, which was just built this year. It prevents rain from getting the poultry wet and is situated so the smoke blows away from the diners.
He called the barbecue “a real community event that brings people out and brings them together.” He then joked about Tom Foley and Joe Solan, who were instrumental in running the meal for years. “When I get to heaven and see them, I can say I kept it going,” Gasperini said.
Among those partaking was Marguerite Segalla, 99. A longtime church member, she sold tickets to the barbecue for many years. Looking around at the filled tables brought back many memories, she said.
“People would come from all over for this,” she recalled.
The annual Bed Race, with silly crowd-pleasing antics, followed the parade. Three teams — The Canaan Fire Company, Royal Flush by William Perotti & Sons Heating (with toilet) and Well Drillers — competed in their makeshift beds, bringing great delight to the crowd. Royal Flush was the winner.
Madi Long
Children and families enjoy carnival rides during Summer Nights of Canaan on July 19.
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