This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Lewis County will take place at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds.
Relay for Life is the world’s largest volunteer-based fundraiser and holds more than 2,500 community-based walk relay races around the country every year, according to its website.
The American Cancer Society is a nonprofit organization that aims to save and celebrate lives while leading the fight for a cancer cure.
“We hope to see everyone out there at the opening ceremony,” said Patty Allee, American Cancer Society volunteer and event organizer.
While the Kids Kamp starts at 10 a.m., the Relay for Life opening ceremony starts at noon. It will feature volunteer Ruby Stanton who will sing at the flag ceremony and speeches from Southwest Washington Fair Commissioner Edna Fund and Centralia City Council member Sarah Althauser. Then, the eternal flame ceremony will take place.
Following the opening ceremony, the survivor lap, during which local cancer survivors or those still fighting cancer will walk the track, will begin at 12:30 p.m.
All other attendees are asked to line the track during the lap to cheer on survivors.
Lewis County-based Backfire Band will perform once the opening ceremony is concluded, followed by the local bluegrass band Lewis County Pickers.
Then, at 7 p.m., a live dessert auction will be held, followed by the end of the Kids Kamp at 9 p.m.
The evening’s final event will be the luminaria ceremony at 9:30 p.m.
While the sun is setting, relay teams will light pre-made luminaria bags dedicated in honor or memory of loved ones. The ceremony is meant to give people time to remember those they have lost to cancer and reflect on survivor’s journeys.
Relay registration for teams is still open online as are donation opportunities and luminaria dedications. To register for the relay, donate to the American Cancer Society or dedicate a luminaria for the luminaria ceremony, visit https://bit.ly/3pSeQhy.
