ACS Relay for Life scheduled for June 22-23

REGION – Organizers are making final preparations for this month’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life Chain Of Lakes (Antrim, Kalkaska and Charlevoix counties), scheduled for Saturday into Sunday, June 22-23.

The Relay is a 24-hour event beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday and running through 10 a.m. Sunday at the Shaun Davies Track located behind John R. Rodger Elementary School in Bellaire.

As in the past, this year’s Relay schedule is full of fun activities, entertainment and special ceremonies to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers, while honoring and remembering those lost to the disease.

According to event representative Syrina Dawson, “The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event ignites team spirit among participants and works to raise funds used to save lives and create more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.”

The Relay is an overnight celebration where people – often in organized teams – take turns walking, running or otherwise circling around a track ‘relay’ style to raise funds to fight cancer.

“You don’t need to be a track star to be a winner in this race for life,” Dawson said. “The idea is to enjoy your time, dance, play games, and enjoy the presence of others – all while raising money to fight cancer, and provide services to cancer patients and their families.”

Dawson noted that one of the many highlights of the event is the luminaria service or candlelight vigil held at nightfall to honor cancer survivors and caregivers, and remember those lost to cancer.

This year’s event kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday with a Parade of Heroes. It will be followed at 10 a.m. with Opening Ceremonies, an Invocation, Ribbon Cutting, Flag Ceremony and Sponsor Recognition. Also starting at 10 will be a live broadcast from radio station WKHQ, along with a Vendor and Craft Show. Games and various live entertainment acts – including “Pooch the Magician,” DJ Tim Robach, The Younce Guitar Duo, and Music with JBR Sounds – will run throughout the afternoon.

The survivor/caregiver ceremony and community dinner begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by the luminaria ceremony. After a Ghost Hunt with the Cherry Capital Shadow Seekers, an outdoor movie and pizza party is planned. A Midnight Madness Wii Tournament will close out the first day.

Read the full story in our regular edition of The Review. To subscribe to the paper for just $34 a year, which includes access to our full online e-edition, please go to the subscription page on this website at: http://www.antrimreview.net/subscribe/