SPECIAL TO THE PULSE BY RICHIE LAWRY
The 2014 Relay For Life of Polk County celebration will he held May 30th starting at 6:00 P.M. Due to the weather, organizers were forced to make the call Friday morning to move the event from Janssen Park in Mena to the CMA Iron Mountain Facility near Hatfield. As in keeping with the spirit of Relay – the event WILL GO ON so organizers do not want the change in venue or the weather to keep anyone away from this annual event.
Relay For Life is a community event and everyone is invited to attend. The event begins with a Survivor Lap with our local cancer survivors circling the track while they are cheered on by the crowd.
During the evening each of the fifteen local Relay For Life teams will have a booth with food and activities for everyone. There will be entertainment and a talent show. Each of the teams will have at least one walker on the track at all times, and anyone can join them as they circle the track.
As daylight fades the attention of the Relay turns to remembering loved ones lost to cancer and honoring those battling the disease through the luminaria bags lining the track, lighting up the night. Relay For Life participants and donors dedicate the luminaria bags to those who are special to them. As people quietly circle the track, each of the names is read. They are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers, and so many others.
After the Luminaria Ceremony, the Relay team participants are ready to stay up all night. Relay For Life events last all night because cancer never sleeps. Throughout the night each team will have at least one participant on the track at all times. There are many activities to keep everyone entertained through the night, including karaoke, a dance contest, 3 on 3 basketball, open mike and tug of war.
Relay For Life is a community event. Every person in Polk County who has been touched by cancer benefits from the research funded through the money raised by the dedicated volunteers of Relay For Life of Polk County. Seeing the community stand together in our fight against cancer at Relay For Life is something special. Make plans to come out and be a part of this special event.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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