CULLMAN — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Cullman County event is shaping up to be a fun and inspirational night. The annual event will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015, at the Cullman County Fairgrounds, with the opening ceremony set to start at 6 p.m.
Before that, cancer survivors are invited to attend the annual Survivors’ Dinner sponsored by Cullman Regional Medical Center and hosted by Relay For Life of Cullman County. The dinner will begin at 5 p.m., in an exhibit hall at the Cullman County Fairgrounds.
All of the money raised by teams supporting Relay For Life goes to the efforts of the American Cancer Society in research, education, patient support and advocacy. Teams and individuals can still join Relay For Life of Cullman County or donate to a team by visiting relayforlife.org/cullmanal.
“There is still time to join in the fight against cancer,” said Helen Allen, a 20-year Relay veteran. “Every day thousands are diagnosed with this dreaded disease, we play a big part in the lives of those being diagnosed. We are providing money for research, but more importantly, we are giving hope.”
Even if you are not on a team, you can still support Relay For Life by coming to the May 1 event, where you can enjoy entertainment, visit team booths that will be offering games, food, etc., and participate in the Relay events throughout the evening. Admission is free.
"Sunny and nice!" That is the forecast for Friday's Relay For Life of Cullman County. Like if you're READY TO RELAY!!!!
Posted by Relay For Life of Cullman County on Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Before the 6 p.m., kickoff, entertainment will be provided by Gary Sanders’ Sides Steps starting at 4:30 p.m.
The 6 p.m., opening ceremony will include guest speaker Greg Sears, a three-time cancer survivor, before survivors who wish to participate will walk across the stage and give their name and years of survivorship.
Sanders will sing “Amazing Grace” as the survivors line up to take the first lap of the night, followed by a lap for caregivers, sponsors and the teams participating in Relay For Life.
The Wallace State singers will take the stage at 8 p.m., to entertain those attending.
At the same time, team members will participate in Fun Laps.
Fun Laps are themed laps during which at least one team member from each team is encouraged to walk the track to signify the ongoing battle against cancer.
The themed laps include a Character Lap, Pajama Lap, Stick Horse Lap and Funniest Hat Lap.
At 9 p.m., all activity will cease as the luminaria service is held.
Hundreds of luminaries purchased as dedications in memory or in honor of someone affected by cancer will be lit and a short service held, followed by quiet time so family and friends can pay their respects.
Luminaries can be purchased on site or in advance from any team member.
The fun and games will continue after the luminaria service with the team T-shirt contest, followed by the Spirit Stick contest, the Decorated Bra contest, Womanless Beauty Contest and a Relay Idol talent competition.
Closing ceremonies will be held starting at 11 p.m., during which prizes such as the Relay T-shirt Quilt and a trip to Dollywood will be awarded to lucky winners.
The final laps will begin at 11:30 as the event winds down.
For more information about Relay For Life of Cullman County, contact Allen at 256-709-4019, helen@weltimail.com, or visit the event website at relayforlife.org/cullmanal.
See Also: 10th Annual Colton's Cookout for a Cure Benefits Relay for Life