Relay for Life this weekend

By John Estridge, Editor

Gone are the scorching temperatures and the humid conditions of the past weekend. Say hello to upper 60s and the slightest chance of rain.

It is perfect weather for Franklin County’s annual Relay for Life which will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 2, and run for 24 hours straight until closing ceremonies at 8 a.m., Sunday, June 3.

All activities will be held at the Grandstands area of the Brookville Town Park.

While the reason for the Relay is to raise money for the American Cancer Society to fund research into eradicating and treating cancer, to many volunteers, it is a life-changing event.

“It is a way to celebrate the lives of those who have cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease, honor caregivers and fight back against a disease that takes too many,” Relay chairperson Stephanie Murray said.

Opening ceremonies include a Survivor’s Lap followed by a Survivor’s Breakfast at 9:30 a.m.

Throughout Saturday there are special events planned such as Zumba, Mad Rag Bag Race, Mini Relay Idol Contest, Corn Hole tourney, Tug of War, Frozen T-shirt race, Purse Auction, Pretty Baby contest, Mr. Franklin County Relay and much more.

Also there are inflatables, music, prizes, games, face painting, hair painting, nail paintings and tattoos.

A fried chicken dinner is available to satisfy the greatest hunger.

There is a Fight Back Ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m.

A survivor slide show will take place at 8 p.m. with the Sounds of Hope Choir. Anyone wanting to provide items for the slide show should contact Renee Ertel at ertel.r@hotmail.com.

The very moving Luminaria Ceremony will happen at 9 p.m. along with a remembrance slide show. Bagpipes will help close the ceremony at 9:30 p.m.

Anyone wanting to be a part of the slide show that goes along with the Luminaria Ceremony should contact Kathy O’Bryan at 765-647-4331.

Luminaria bags are on sale for $5. They will have the names of those who have gone before and those who have survived the battle. They can be purchased at Relay.

New this year is the Chinese Sky Lantern. These are $10 and are used to commemorate and celebrate like the luminaries.

A Naked Charisma concert will be held at 10 p.m.

There will also be a bonfire after 10 p.m. Traditional bonfire activities will be ongoing through the night. With the weatherman calling for lows in the 50s, the bonfires will be much needed.

Sunday morning, the prayer service begins at 7 a.m.

A prayer tent will be available throughout the 24 hours.

Closing ceremonies will then begin at 8 a.m.

All the time there will be people on the track representing the about 40 teams that have signed up. More teams can sign up. They need to contact Missy Burton.

For more information, contact Murray.