The early storms of the week are expected to give way to sunny skies just in time for the culminating event of the 2014 Pike County Relay for Life fundraising campaign Friday night at the Troy Recreation Park. However, in the event of inclement weather, Relay will be held at the Troy Recreation Center.
Tammy Calhoun, chair of the Pike County Relay for Life board, said every thing is a go for Friday night, rain or shine, and Relay 2014 is shaping up to be a great one with 21 teams registered.
“Relay for Life is a celebration of life,” Calhoun said.
“We will celebrate the victories that have been won over cancer; honor those who are in the battle and remember those who lost their battles with this devastating disease. Relay for Life is a community-wide event and everyone is invited to the celebration.”
Relay 2014 will get underway at 6 p.m. with the presentation of the flags by the Pike County High School JROTC, the singing of the National Anthem by Anela Culpepper of First Baptist Church and the invocation given by the Rev. Ed Shirley, pastor of Brundidge United Methodist Church.
Ralph Black, emcee for Relay 2014, will recognize the dignitaries and community representatives in attendance and introduce Hank Jones, the 2014 Relay for Life honorary chair.
After Jones speaks, he will lead the Survivors Lap, which is traditionally the first lap of all Relay for Life events.
Calhoun said everyone is asked to line the track and cheer the survivors of cancer during their walk.
“On the second lap, the survivors will be joined by their caregivers and we encourage everyone to recognize them as heroes, too,” Calhoun said. “Following the Caregivers Walk, the Relay for Life 2014 teams will be introduced and they will take their lap. Then, the other teams will begin their walks.”
To add variety and fun to the walks, sunglasses, crazy hat, luau and colors of cancer themed walks have been planned.
The night’s entertainment will start with a bang. SheBANG! Clogging Company will take the center stage following the introduction of the Relay teams.
“We’ll have great entertainment and a lot of fun activities going on throughout the night,” Calhoun said. “Henry Everett will be the DJ for the night and he’ll keep the music going. The PCHS Choir will sing on center stage at 8 o’clock.
“Over in the kids’ area, the First Baptist Church puppet show is set for 7 o’clock. And, we’ll have jumpers from 5:30 until 8:30. So there will be a lot for kids to do.”
For those with competitive spirits, there will be a volleyball tournament and a tug-of-war battle. And, there will be a few add-ons to spice up the night.
The Luminary Ceremony at 9 p.m. is the highlight of the Relay for Life event.
“The candle are lit in honor of the survivors of cancer and those who are continuing to battle cancer and in memory of those whose battles are done,” Calhoun said. “This is a most special event at Relay. It is why we Relay.”
Calhoun said almost everyone has been affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly. So, those of all ages are asked to participate in the Luminary Ceremony by walking the track or maintaining reverence as the names of those honored or remembered are read.
“Following the Luminary Walk, we will announce the award winners of the 2014 Pike County Relay for Life campaign. We hope that everyone will stay for the awards ceremony and for the announcement of the grand total of Pike County giving to the fight against cancer.”