13th annual Relay For Life set for June 5

Teams will take to the track at Jim Lorenzen Field in Le Mars as part of the 13th Annual Plymouth County Relay For Life Friday, June 5.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity, offering everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer.

Teams will raise much-needed dollars to fight cancer, fund research and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

This year's Relay For Life starts at 6 p.m. with the opening ceremony which includes a Survivors Lap at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Caregiver Walk.

The luminaria ceremony will be at 10 p.m., followed by the announcement of awards for teams at 11:30 p.m.

This year, activities at the track will end at midnight.

However, the spirit of Relay For Life, going throughout the evening to the morning, will continue with a candlelight vigil from midnight to 7 a.m. in the chapel at Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars.

The candlelight vigil gives individuals quiet time to remember a loved one who is fighting cancer or one who has lost his or her fight with the disease.

Gates at the track will be open at noon June 5 for set-up of team campsites. There will be music from noon to midnight and the concession stand will open at noon.

While teams will be walking from 7 p.m. to midnight Friday, the public is encouraged to attend activities throughout the evening as a part of the county's fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.

Cancer survivors are invited to be a part of the Survivor Lap and be recognized for their success in fighting cancer.

The Caregiver Lap honors those who care for people with cancer, whether it be health care professionals, family members, friends or others who volunteer their time.

"These are important people for a person who has cancer," said Melinda Schwartz, Relay For Life committee member.

"A caregiver is someone who has walked with a person through their cancer journey, to becoming a survivor or losing the battle," Schwartz said.

Anyone who is currently a caregiver or someone who cared for someone years ago is invited to be a part of the Caregivers Walk.

Fun Laps for team members and entertainment for all attending will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight. Fun laps include balloon walk, cookie lap, hot potato lap, "Send Cancer Packing" lap, hat lap and Power of Purple lap.

There will be musical entertainment and Relay Idol will return this year.

Kids Corner activities will be open from 5 to 8 p.m.

All proceeds from the concession stand and other activities go to the American Cancer Society.

The luminaria ceremony begins at 10 p.m., when candles in the luminaria bags purchased by area residents will be lit and the names of those honored and remembered will be read.

The luminaria bags are now available at several businesses in Le Mars and from Relay For Life team members.

Luminaria bags are available for a donation of $7 a bag and may be purchased at the following locations in Le Mars: Craft Den, N.W. Iowa Credit Union, American Bank, Medical Associates, Floyd Valley Hospital and Pizza Ranch, and in Remsen at Mrs. B's Convenience Store.

Decorated luminaria bags should be returned to the place of purchase no later than Tuesday, June 2.

Those wishing to keep their bags should pick them up after the luminaria ceremony at the track June 5. Luminarias will also be available from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Relay event.

For luminaria information, call Michelle DeLarm at 712-546-8603. For Survivor information or to volunteer, call Melinda Schwartz at 712-546-9456.