The Pike County Relay for Life culminating event tonight at the Troy Recreation Park is a celebration of the victories won over cancer. It’s a time to share in the fellowship of friends and neighbors, play games and enjoy all the great entertainment and good food.

The Pike County Relay for Life board wants everyone to come out and enjoy everything that is planned.

“Tonight is for everyone who has been a part of Relay, as team members and as those who contributed to the many fundraising activities,” said Kay Franklin, American Cancer Society community representative. “We want everyone who wants to see cancer a thing of the past to come out and join us. The Troy Parks and Recreation concession stand will be open so there will be food as well as fun for everyone.”

Those who can get six people together are invited to participate in the volleyball tournament that will be on going in the middle of the track. The championship round will be played after the preliminary round is completed and the teams are seeded.

The Survivors Lap will be at 6 p.m. and other theme laps will be announced throughout the night.

“There will be a crazy hat lap, a flip-flop lap, a sunglasses lap and a backward lap,” Franklin said. “So bring your hats, flip-flop and sunglasses and have fun.”

At 8:40, the Troy School of Dance will perform a tribute dance to EB Johnson who inspired hundreds of people as she fought so courageously against such a formidable foe.

“This will be a very special time as we remember EBJ and her family,” Franklin said. “The Luminary Lap will begin at 9 p.m. and this is a very special time at Relay.”

The Pike County Relay Board encourages everyone to pause for a few minutes from whatever they are doing to cheer the survivors during the Survivors Lap at 6 p.m. and again during the Caregivers Lap that follows.

“We want to cheer the victories that have been won so the Survivors Lap and the Caregivers Lap are very special,” Franklin said. “During the Luminary Lap, we ask that everyone give their full attention to the names being read of those who have won victories over cancer, those who are in the battle and those whose battler are over.”

Taylor Jinright, co-chair of the 2011 Pike County Relay for Life campaign said she was most impressed with the reverence, with which the Troy University students approached the Luminary Walk held during the university’s Relay event.

“The Luminary Walk is one of the most moving events of Relay,” Jinright said. “And, it very important for everyone to be able to hear the names as they are read. They are the reason we relay.”

Luminaries will be available throughout the night for $5 each. Those who would like to purchase a luminary may do so at the Luminary booth.