Season of Hope, 2011 Lamar Relay for Life

Savage Stadium in Lamar will get busy this Saturday, as preparations for the annual Relay for Life event will be underway, leading up to opening ceremonies at 6pm, June 4.

Fifty-two teams are involved this year, including over 130 Survivors-in-Attendance.  Fifty-one area businesses and organizations contributed to making the event a reality.  Although donations have been pledged earlier to benefit the work of the American Cancer Society prior to the Relay, there will be several on-site fundraisers underway, ranging from homemade crafts, food items, ornaments and angels.  Several raffles will be conducted as well.

Heather Burkhart, Relay organizer will deliver the welcome to the crowd during the opening ceremonies, Brittany Gonzales will sing the National Anthem and various introductions will take place, including Grand Club Members, Relay Committee Members, Survivors, Teams and Captains. 

As always, some events have been planned for the evening and overnight, ending with the 6:30am Sunday breakfast and breaking down the tents.  A Survivor dinner will be held Saturday at 6:30pm and a Survivor Slide Show begins prior to sunset at 8:30, with the Luminaria Ceremony set for 9pm.  There’s a Mr. Relay Fashion Show and Contest, ending with the crowning at 2am Sunday.  Closing ceremonies will begin at 6am.  The committee hopes to attain their goal of $68,000 which will aid cancer research by the American Cancer Society.

By Russ Baldwin