Relay For Life helps in cancer fight

The 13th annual Plymouth County Relay For Life takes off at 6 p.m. Friday at Jim Lorenzen Field in Le Mars.

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 with activities, remembrances and fund raising.

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

Campsite set up begins at noon Friday, with the concession stand also opening at noon.

Relay For Life events start at 6 p.m. with the opening ceremony, a Survivors Lap and a Caregiver Lap.

Honorary chair LeRoy Schrunk is the special speaker following the Survivor Lap.

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

Activities at the track end at midnight this year.

A candlelight vigil will be held from midnight to 7 a.m. in the chapel at Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars, on Highway 3 East.

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 Friday for set-up of team campsites.

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 10 p.m. luminaria ceremony, which is when candles in the luminaria bags purchased by area residents will be lit and the names of those honored and remembered will be read. Luminarias will also be available from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Relay event for a $7 donation.