The annual Switzerland County “Relay for Life” event to raise money for the American Cancer Society is set for tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday in the Paul Ogle Riverfront Park in Vevay.
This year’s “Relay for Life” is being dedicated to the memory of Lowell Wayne Sullivan and Eddie Markland – two longtime supporters of the event who have passed away during the past year.
The “Relay for Life” will begin with a Survivors Dinner at the Switzerland County High School cafeteria tomorrow (Friday) at 5:30 p.m. All cancer survivors are invited to celebrate and attend this celebration. Cupcakes and drinks for the Survivors Dinner will be accepted at the high school cafeteria tomorrow (Friday) anytime after 2 p.m.
At the Paul Ogle Park, festivities will kick off with an opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m.; and currently there are 15 teams who will be setting up decorated booths.
This year’s teams include: Florence and Friends; Jefferson-Craig; Fishing Buddies; Kelly’s Kids; Cancer Fighting Christians; Kiwanis; Switzerland County Homemakers; Patriot Bucket Brigade; Mom and Pop team; Moorefield Fire Department; YMCA; Belterra Casino Resort and Spa; T.A.C.; Team Dorie; and Switzerland County Elementary School.
Each team has been working to raise money, and during the event the teams will continue to raise funds through food sales and games. There will also be plenty of contests, entertainment throughout the night including a deejay; and other special performances.
The annual auction, coordinated by MainSource Bank, will begin at 8 p.m. Donated items for the auction are now being accepted at any of the MainSource Bank branches; and all money raised goes to cancer research. Anyone needing more information on the auction, or who would like to make a donation; may contact Chasity Otter or Lucinda Mangold at MainSource, 427-2323.
At 10 p.m. the annual Luminary Ceremony will begin. Everyone has the opportunity to purchase a luminary in honor of or in memory of a loved one; and those candlelit buckets will circle the walking course. The names of all of the honorees will be read over the loudspeaker during the ceremony.
Luminaries will be available for purchase until approximately 8 p.m. at the “Relay for Life” event.
As the evening moves along, there will also be a variety of “theme laps” that the teams will participate in. Prizes will be presented to the team with the best decorated booth; and there will also be a “Mr. Relay” contest.
For those who get hungry during the event, there will be plenty of food available. Along with traditional fare such as hamburgers and hot dogs; there will also be homemade ice cream and walking tacos and baked goods. Soft drinks and water will also be available, as will icees, sno cones, popcorn, and caramel corn.
Activities planned during the evening include corn hole, pedal cars, dart games, a wishing well, and face painting. Also for sale during the event will be bracelets, and tee-shirts.
All of the fun continues throughout the night, with the event wrapping up at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning.
*
Everyone is invited to attend the “Relay for Life” event. You don’t have to be on a team to come down to the park; so everyone is encouraged to come down, purchase some food; attend the auction; and be a part of raising money for an important cause.