Relay for Life begins June 16 at 5 p.m. on the square

Fifteen years ago, the first American Cancer Society Relay for Life event was held in Illinois. For those involved in Relay For Life, it is more than just an event, it is an experience, a life-affirming opportunity to share hope with cancer survivors, caregivers, and other supporters in the fight against cancer.

The Hancock County Chapter of Relay for Life celebrates its 10th year in the Relay. The Hancock County Chapter is busy getting ready to welcome teams, cancer survivors, community supporters, and the general public to this year's event that is being held from 5 p.m. (with children's games and live entertainment) on Saturday, June 16, to 7 a.m. on June 17 at the Carthage Square.

Relay For Life brings together the community in the fight against cancer. Armed with comfortable shoes and an array of supplies needed for their overnighter (at least for some), young and old alike will walk the illuminated street around the square. Throughout the night, teams of local businesses, schools, churches, community groups, friends and families designate at least one team member at a time to walk or run around the square.

Relay For Life starts with local cancer survivors uniting to walk the first lap of the event. Then, the survivors are joined by family, friends and co-workers who have helped them through their battle with cancer.

“Nothing is more inspiring than walking with other cancer survivors in our Relay For Life celebration,” said Marilyn Walker, a Carthage breast cancer survivor. “This is a celebration of hope and a chance to reflect on our journeys, while honoring those in our community who lost their battle with cancer.”

A Luminaria Ceremony will be held after dark to honor cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle against cancer. Luminaria, bags filled with sand and a candle and bearing the names of those being honored, line the square and continue to burn throughout the the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions. Luminaries are available for purchase for $5 each from Neva Eads, 217/357-3371.

Relay for Life

Schedule of activities

5 to 6 p.m. Children's Games

(south east side of square) face painting, tattoos, balloon animals with Doug

Campbell, caricatures by Linda Hardy, treats and more

5 p.m. Welcome by Linley Bartell

5 p.m. Vendors - Sly Fox, sandwiches and drinks, Angelini's (tables on

sidewalk) Northside Java will be open

5 p.m. Information Tent and HCMHC Tobacco Coalition (south east side of

square)

5 to 5:45 p.m. Carthage Methodist Praise Band

5:45 to 6 p.m. Song Selection by Joanna Miller

5 to 8 p.m. Silent Auction (south west side of square) Anonymous donations, Great River Road Golf Course, Ann Cokel, G.T.'s Lawn Care, Arnell Drugs, Hair Necessities, Ayerco, Hamilton VFW Relay for Life Team, Ben Franklin, Hancock County Journal Pilot, Carthage Golf Course, Inner Peace, Carthage Subway, Jerri and Ralph's Kitchen, Country Pastimes, Neally Chiropractic, Courtyard Coffee & Bistro, Simply Irresistible, Deer Run Golf Course, Sun Believable, Debbie Whitaker, Tammi Seigfreid, Family Fitness Center and The Candle Barn

6 p.m. Our National Anthem

Singing led by Chenille Saunders

Flag Presentation by Cub Scout Pack 39

and Boy Scout Troop 72

6 p.m. Relay Survivor Lap

Introduction of Survivors by Rob Carson

Special music provided by Christine Murphy “I Run For Life”

6:15 to 6:20 p.m. Locks of Love

Hair cutting, for Morgon Groth, Erin Fink, Olivia Code and testimonials; hair services by Simply Irresistible

6:20 to 6:30 p.m. Introduction of Team Captains and

Teams by Rob Dunham

6:30 to 7:15 Talent Team Performance, “Movie Mania”

7:30 to 8 p.m. Center Stage Music Performers

Taylor Hardy, Alyssa Willey, Mallory Brooks, Carlie Garnett,

Hannah Cozart, Lindsay Rupert, William Nolden, Molly Nolden,

Katie Cozart, Daniel Harrell

8:10 to 8:50 p.m. Burnside Christian Church Praise Band

9 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony

Read by Chris Nettles, Jeff & Natalie Cole, David & Linda Stoverink

6 a.m. Church Service with Father Tom Szydlik

Closing remarks, Relay Totals, Individual and Team Winners