The beds were rockin’ and the people came knockin’ at the Bedlam in Blairstown races earlier this month.
During the first Township Fall Festival in several years unencumbered by pandemics, bad weather, fire and brimstone, earthquakes and any possible bad vibe, the second year of the revived bed races—once a Blairstown tradition—were run without a hitch before a crowd of several hundred in Footbridge Park.
Reigning champions Sleeping With the Fishes, who took the crown last year as Breakfast in Bed, retained their title despite the scorching competition.
The Fall Festival was organized by the Blairstown Enhancement Committee, a volunteer organization that works improve the community.
More than 40 vendors filled the Vendor Village, and numerous food trucks filled the appetites of the attendees. But the big event was the Bed Race, and they did not disappoint.
This year’s teams included, from the fitness community, newcomers Lobo MMA, led by Adrian Luna and Blairstown Station Crossfit, helmed by Jess Twomey.
Returning from Bloomfield was the Aiello family, with their racing bed dubbed “Breaking Bed.” Fan favorites, the Holy Rollers, led by Matt Keller, described themselves as “resurrected” to race again.
The Incredible BEC (Blairstown Enhancement Committee) bed team was captained by Mr. and Mrs. Incredible themselves.
Last year’s third-place finishers, members of the band Water Street, returned led by Dave Paulsen Jr. Water Street also provided musical entertainment for the festival. Also offering music was duo Exit 12, who were also members of the Blair Academy Faculty team, instructed by Craig Evans.
In between the two heats of the race, the parade division took to the track, with beds and teams fielded by Jingle on Main, the opening of the holiday season event; IMJM Siddhachala Jain Mission, which offered chia tea to everyone; Namaste in Bed, led by Cheryl Paulsen, promoting the Blairstown Recreation Program’s yoga class; Little Big Farm’s Enchanted Garden Bed, led by Patti Doell; and the Blairstown Rotary Club, which offers scholarships and who will soon be renovating the Givens Belet Hall for use as the future Blairstown Community Center.
Joe Phalon, Contributing Writer
Joe was lured out of retirement by the opportunity to be a part of the Ridge View Echo. During a decades-long career in publishing and journalism, he has covered government on many levels from local school boards to the United States Supreme Court.
Along the way, Joe has worked at American Lawyer Magazine, The National Law Journal and The Record among other publications, and as the Press Officer of Columbia Law School. His work has been recognized with several first place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the New Jersey Press Association.
Being part of the Ridge View Echo brings Joe back to his roots and the kind of news coverage he loves: Telling the stories of people and local communities as well as keeping an eye on how their money is spent by their government officials.
Joe lives in Blairstown with his wife Rose, the founder of Quilting for a Cause, and their two wiener dogs. He is an artist in his spare time.
