Volunteers of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life are busy preparing for the 19th annual event in Whiteside County at Hinders Field in Rock Falls, IL. Relay For Life in Whiteside County is an overnight event beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, and ending at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2014. “Heroes of Hope” is the theme of the 2014 Relay For Life.
The opening ceremony will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Friday, and sponsors of the event will be recognized. Cancer survivors open the Relay with the first lap, followed by the caregivers in the second lap. Any person who is a cancer survivor is invited to participate in this first lap. Being a member of a team is not a requirement, but registration between 4:30 and 5:30 is required. Any special assistance for survivors can be requested at that time. All survivors will receive a medal as a symbol of their accomplishments.
All teams will line the track as the first two laps are celebrated for our “Heroes of the Relay” and will fall in behind the caregivers as the third lap of the Relay begins. Throughout the evening special theme laps have been designated to provide entertainment for the participants who are not on the track. Teams are asked to designate one team member to be on the track at all times.
Set-up for the campsites may begin at 3:00 p.m.with all parking in the lot south of Hinders Field. No motorized vehicles will be allowed into the campsite area at any time.
Other activities include
- a Silent Auction from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for merchandise provided by teams
- numerous educational activities
- entertainment provided by the band “Dare I Dream”
- Colleen’s School of Clogging and Celtic Dance
- Zumba
- center field activities
- special laps
- team fundraising with sales of food, Relay items, and activities at their campsites.
The public is invited to participate in all these activities.
At dusk, around 9:00 p.m., the Luminaria ceremony will highlight the event. Luminaria may be purchased on-site until 8:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Names of individuals who have battled cancer will be read. Each purchased luminaria bag represents one such person. These luminaria will light the track throughout the night, as a reminder of why this event takes place.
The closing ceremony will begin around 4:30 a.m. with a brief message of hope.
This year the event has 32 teams of various numbers of persons registered to participate. The public is invited to come to see what the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is all about.
Join the fun at Hinders Field in Rock Falls on Saturday, June 7, to Sunday, June 8, for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Whiteside County.