Bar Harbor Showed Up in Its Pajamas, Saturday.

Carrie Jones

just now

BAR HARBOR—It’s not often that a small, red jingle bell does a racer in, but that’s exactly what happened Saturday at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s annual Pajama Sale and Bed Races when a member of a cruising bed racing team from Witham Family Hotels hit the pavement mid-race.

There were just a few penalties, Saturday, a spectacular fall, at least two calls for the MDI Health crew for medics (not so serious, do not worry), a punctured fake blood sack from that same MDI Health team, and a few costumes that were lost to the rapid racing speed as eight racing teams of four (plus one often screaming rider) competed for the honor of the fastest bed runners of 2026.

Crowds gathered on the sidewalk on Cottage Street, which had been closed off for the annual festivities. Children danced in the street before, after, and sometimes between races. People crept further onto the short race route as local teams vied for the best time as Bo Jennings emceed, Chris Popper of Townsquare Media performed multiple duties, and volunteers took score, fielded penalties, set up, and broke down the event.

The teams had cool names like: Ducks in a Row, Seasonal Bedbugs, Bedrock & Roll, The Defibrillators, Barn Arts Dreamrunning, Acadian Youth Sports, Witham Family Hotels Buccaneers, and Hadley Point Gang.

Volunteers’ names weren’t quite so exciting, but included: Jeff Chamberlain, Kristi and Olivia Bond, Jennings, Lydia and Eric Stiles, Amanda Boucher, Jen and Bill Byer, Lizz Strum, Jenn Weaver, Deborah Vickers, and Emily Ciciotte.

There are many people to thank. Though, the Chamber organized the event, the volunteers were many. Along with Jennings’ emceeing, DJ Jeff Buffington provided sound. Sara Jones sang the national anthem with a volunteer color guard. The Criterion Theatre provided power. Ocean Properties provided gates for crowd control and safety. The town’s police and public works department helped with closing off and preparing the streets.

There were also all the sponsors, which included First National Bank, the Bar Harbor Hospitality Group, Machias Savings Bank, and Cape Air.

Over 30 businesses provided pajama sale deals.

After three dominating heats, Acadian Youth Sports (AYS) took the championship with a final heat time of 39.68 seconds, narrowly besting the Hadley Point Gang who were looking for a three-peat and ended with a time of 41.61 seconds.

“Back with vengeance,” Jennings said of the AYS performance.

Music blared as each team raced to their walk-out songs. Spectators watched from the rooftops and out second-story windows as teams switched sides (as mandated) throughout the race route at designated spots.

Camp Beech Cliff’s bed race team “Bedrock-n-Roll” won “Most Spirited.”

The annual race is part of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s Early Bird Pajama Sale.

Everal Eaton, the chamber’s executive director, organized the event. Pajama sale shoppers also took to the stores early the same morning for sales and specials.

Other teams racing included StayBarHarbor, Camp Beech Cliff, Witham Family Hotels, MDI Health, Barn Arts, and Friends of Acadia.

Jones sang the National Anthem as veterans went into the road amid crowds that were three-to-four deep on the sidewalks.

---

All photos and videos: Shaun Farrar/Carrie Jones/Bar Harbor Story.

There are about 100-plus images and videos over on our Facebook page if you’re looking for more.

DISCLOSURE: I also volunteered during this event.

---

HELP SUPPORT THE BAR HARBOR STORY

When we started The Bar Harbor Story, we didn’t know if anyone would read it. But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—6,500 subscribers and over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other.

We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going.

If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship.

It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light.

Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now.

Thank you so much for being here.

Founding member information can be found here.

Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you.