This year’s Relay for Life offers great reasons for people to visit Centennial Park in 100 Mile House on June 11.
Organizers are holding their annual event combined with an old-fashioned picnic.
There is a long list of activities planned, says Relay for Life co-ordinator Marisa Peter. "Our theme this year is old-fashioned picnic in the park."
She notes concessions will be provided by 100 Mile Lions and Keith Jackson.
At 1 p.m., we have races scheduled, Peter says, including sack, egg-and-spoon; three-legged; and a tug-of-war. Throughout the afternoon, there will be team challenges, such as a frozen T-shirt and banana-eating contests.
Families can enjoy face painting, health promotions and massages and there is a silent auction with many great items from the 100 Mile House businesses.
The Lake of the Trees Bible Camp Society will have a play area for the Youths, says Peter, which will include a water slide, mini golf, hockey challenge and other games.
Rob Fry, of New Age Entertainment, is supplying the stage for the relay and will have music and entertainment from Cariboo Idol contestants, as well as other local talent.
"But, we are still looking for teams," Peter says, adding registrations are down from previous years.
"Raising pledges may be one drawback for teams, but if you only raise $20, you've done it as far as I'm concerned."
The emphasis this year, she explains, is coming out for a cause because the money raised is an added bonus.
Peter says she doesn't want to focus always on the money, as it’s about awareness and the fact that almost everyone is touched by cancer.
Team registrations begin at 8 a.m., although teams may set up tents on Friday, says Peter.
The Survivors Breakfast starts at 9 a.m., and all survivors are invited to walk the first lap of Relay for Life, called the Victory Lap. Leading the Victory Lap will be bikes decorated in a contest open to all children.
The Luminary ceremony, which involves candles being placed in special bags with the names of cancer survivors and loved ones who have lost their lives to cancer, is at 9 p.m. People are invited to purchase the bags at $5 each, decorate them and join the lighting ceremony and creek walk.
Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m., says Peter.
"This is a good reason to go to the park and enjoy the day, have fun and get together as a family and community and raise awareness about this disease."
For more information or to register, contact Peter at 250-395-6752 or e-mail 100milehouserelay@bc.cancer.ca.