Highland Relay for Life kicks off Friday
Hundreds will gather at Glik Park in Highland this Friday, July 8 for a celebration of life when the Highland community hosts its 12th annual Relay for Life.
Relay for Life is a community event featuring a variety of activities, food, music and competitions to raise money for the American Cancer Society, celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost to cancer and raise awareness of cancer and ways to try to prevent the disease.
Throughout the evening, each team keeps at least one member walking on the track from the opening ceremony Friday night until the closing ceremony at 12:30 a.m., Saturday morning. The entire community is invited to attend any part or the entire event.
The theme this year is “Rings of Hope” in conjunction with the Summer Olympics to celebrate the 12th anniversary of Highland’s Relay
The event kicks off with a dinner for survivors and guests at 6 p.m. To register for the survivor dinner, call Joy Trouper at (618) 409-7864 or Kathy Walker at 654-7156.
The Opening Ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by survivors and caretakers taking the first lap around the track.
Another highlight is the Luminaria Ceremony at 9:30 p.m. This is an inspiring and meaningful ceremony to honor survivors and caregivers and to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer. Luminaria can be purchased from any Relay team or on site up at the Luminary Tent until 8:30 p.m. Friday evening. Luminaria bags are $10 each.
A variety of musical entertainment and activities will be held throughout the event to keep things lively and spirits high, including a Glow “Stick it to Cancer” 5K Run/Walk, Purple Lap around the track, Rusty Rods Car Show, bingo, Olympic events, a K-9 demonstration, and musical chairs with Fred Bird.
A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase in the food court and at team campsites including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, brats, hot dogs, soda, water, Ski slushes, popcorn, pizza, and root beer floats.
In its first 11 years, Relay for Life of Highland raised just over $1 million for the American Cancer Society. According to Joy Krouper, this year’s event lead, there are 12 teams working very hard to meet this year’s goal of $50,000.
Krouper and the entire Relay Committee invited the community to join them at Relay this Friday evening, July 8. Plan to bring your family and friends out for all or part of the event. Come out and show your support — eat dinner, walk the track, purchase luminaria, and enjoy the music and activities.
Relay for Life Event Schedule (July 8-9)
Noon: Grounds open, teams set up tents
Noon to 6 p.m. Team check in at Registration Table, campsite set up
5 p.m. Doors open for Survivor Dinner in the Korte Rec Center gym
5 to 8:30 p.m. Luminaria sales at the Luminaria Table
6 p.m. Survivor Dinner begins in the Korte Rec Center gym
6 to 7 p.m. DJ on the Main Stage
6 to 7:30 p.m. Rusty Rods Car Show
7 to 7:30 p.m. Live Music by “These 4 Walls” on the Main Stage
7:30 to 8 p.m. Opening Ceremony & Survivor/Caregiver Lap
▪ Opening Remarks - Bill Sullivan, emcee
▪ Opening Prayer - Pastor Brent Johnson of Navigation Church
▪ Flag Ceremony - Highland Fire Department
▪ National Anthem - Aaron Semanek
▪ Welcome - Mayor Joe Michaelis
▪ Chairman Remarks & Introduction of Steering Committee - Joy Krouper
▪ Sponsor Recognition - Scott Credit Union Representative
▪ Remarks by Speaker - Pastor Will VerDuin of EvUCC
▪ Survivor/Caregiver Lap on the walking track
8 to 8:15 p.m. K-9 demonstration by Marine Police Chief Chris Singleton and his dog, Paco, on the Main Stage
8 to 9:30 p.m. Bingo
8:15 to 8:30 p.m. Olympic events on the main stage
8:30 to 9 p.m. Musical chairs with Fred Bird, sponsored by Affiliated Insurance, on the Main Stage
9 to 9:30 p.m. Live music by “These 4 Walls” on the Main Stage
9:30 to 10 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony
▪ Remarks by Liz and Wilda Scaggs
▪ Reading of names of those honored, remembered
▪ Silent Lap by all
10 to 10:30 p.m. Live music by “These 4 Walls” on the Main Stage / Purple Lap, deck out in all your purple gear and walk the track
10:30 to 11:30 p.m. GLOW Stick it to Cancer 5K Run/Walk
11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. DJ on the Main Stage
12:30 to 1 a.m. Closing Ceremony on the Main Stage
1 to 1:30 a.m. Clean Up Lap, let’s work together to clean up the track before going home
This story was originally published July 6, 2016 at 9:36 AM with the headline "Highland Relay for Life kicks off Friday."