Purple is the official color of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the universal color that represents all cancers.

So, in the final days leading up the Pike County Relay for Life event on May 6 at the Troy Recreation Center Soccer Fields, the Pike County Relay Board is encouraging each and every business, school and resident in Pike County to “Paint the Town Purple” on Friday and Saturday to show support for the annual fundraising campaign and to raise awareness for the Pike County Relay event and involve more people in the fight against cancer.

“We are inviting and encouraging everyone to display the color purple to show their support of the fight against cancer and to draw attention to the upcoming Pike County Relay for Life event on May 6,” said Taylor Jinright, Relay board member.

Jinright said ideas range from decorating store windows to wearing purple or selling purple cupcakes.

“There are many different ways to ‘Paint the Town Purple’ and the board encourages everyone to use their creativity in finding unique ways to actually paint the town purple,” Jinright said.

Local businesses are enthusiastic about the “Paint the Town Purple” awareness campaign.

Some businesses are flying balloons and some staffs are wearing purple. Many businesses are displaying a Relay message on the marquee or decorating the store windows. Several restaurants are using purple placemats or napkins while others are preparing purple desserts.

“Several restaurants will donate a portion of their sales on April 29 and 30 to Relay,” Jinright said.

The Gertrude Stephens Gazebo on the square in Troy has been decorated with purple lights, a show of the City of Troy’s support of Relay for Life.

“The Gibson and Carden staff will be going around town beginning today offering purple bows that can be put on store fronts, the front doors of homes or on mail boxes or lamp posts,” Jinright said. “The bows are $10 each and not only show support for Relay for Life but raise funds to help fund cancer research.”

Purple bows may also be purchased by calling Jinright at 566-6957.

The Pike County Relay for Life event will be on May 6 with Opening Ceremonies at 6 p.m. followed by the Survivors Lap. The Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. and the Team Fundraising Awards will be announced at 11 p.m.