All systems go for EOT 'Relay for Life' cancer pledge walk

After months of planning and meetings; after garage sales, breakfasts, luncheons and suppers; after sales of jewelry, baked goods and candy; after selling, folding and decorating luminaria bags, organizers are ready to Relay!

In case there is anyone in this half of Otter Tail County who has not yet heard, here's the message: The thirteenth edition of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life begins at 5:30 p.m., Friday, July 13 at the Perham High School track. Everyone is invited to join us there. It's busy, it's fun, it's sometimes solemn, and it's often beautiful and it's free to the public.

Chairperson Lisa Peterson states, "We began in February with Organizing Committee meetings. Team captain's meetings started in March, and we set goals. It seems a long time ago, but now we are rushing toward the finish. We've involved hundreds of people; we've worked thousands of hours in planning and implementing plans. All this is for just one reason: to play our part in eliminating cancer as a serious threat to our health. With all of us working toward that goal, we will do it!"

"The team captains set four goals at our first meeting. The first of our goals was to increase our number of teams from 31 to 35; we were close - 34. We also wanted to create a more welcoming, friendly environment for our guests; we have taken steps to provide this. The last two goals we need you, the public, to help us. We want you to come to the Relay on Friday night - there's a lot to do, a lot to see, a lot to be a part of. Particularly, we want more survivors at the 7:00 Survivors' Lap - one of the high points of the Relay. Our last goal is to increase the number of cancer-fighting dollars from $72,000 last year to $75,000 in 2007. We can do it and we are getting close, but we do need your help."

The main way you can help is to purchase a memorial luminary (lighted bag) from any Relay team member - even at the Relay itself. The more luminaria on the track, the greater the beauty and impact of the through-the-night event.

The week begins with the Survivors Dinner at Mulligan's Restaurant on July 9.

If you are a survivor and wish to attend, call Judy Kunza today at 346-4714; we must have reservations today. The dinner is free to all survivors. Come and join Honorary Co-chairpersons Reuben and Bernice Anderson and Bill Parks for a fine meal and entertainment.

Schedule of events

Friday, PHS Track

5:30 p.m. Activities Begin

- Silent Auction

- Classic Car Rides

- Concessions

- Kids' inflatable castle

- Haircuts

- Kids' Games

- Massages

- Scavenger Hunt

- Wacky Hair

- Face Painting

- Entertainment

Team Fundraisers and Booths, including:

- Watermelon

- Cotton candy

- Snack bags

- "Pay for a Polka"

- Snow Cones

- "Cancurables Critters"

- "5-a-day" fruits & vegetables

- Jewelry items

- Avon products

- Raffle for a planter

- Bottled water

- Blood pressure checks

- Kids' games

- Glow sticks

- Pizza on the grill

7 p.m. Opening Ceremonies

Including Cancer Survivors' Recognition and Lap and Team Recognition Lap

7:45 - 8:45 p.m. Activities Continue

9 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony

Including speeches by honorary co-chairs and luminary lighting ceremony