The Pratt County Relay for Life will host a birthday party Friday night and everyone is invited — come at the beginning, have some supper, celebrate and remember and stay all night for the music and games if you like. Or pick and choose the activities that appeal.
The American Cancer Society bills itself as the “official sponsor of birthdays,” as in a world with less cancer has more birthdays, co-chair Christine Brenner explained. The county relay committee selected a party theme for the 16th annual event at Zerger Field. There will be all kinds of parties in team camps — tailgates, card parties and even a wedding party.
Fighting cancer is serious business, and participants, and especially survivors never lose sight of that, but there is also cause to celebrate.
“We have a ways to go, but we have made very good strides,” Brenner said, adding that the American Cancer Society is second only to the federal government in funding cancer research.
Cancer is still a major health problem in the United States, the ACS reports, but from 1991-2006, cancer deaths declined 21 percent among men and 12 percent among women. The decline is the result of fewer people smoking (although 20 percent of adults smoked in 2008), improved treatments and earlier detection.
Pratt County’s goal is to raise $75,000. Teams have been busy during the summer raising money, and some will hold their fund-raisers at the event.
Sloppy joes, hot dogs and other food items will be for sale during the evening.
Luminaries in memory or in honor of a loved one can be purchased until 8:30 p.m. Friday at a table near the Liberty Middle School concession stand. Donations may also be made at that site.
New this year is a silent auction, with each team contributing an item or collection of items. Bids will be taken until 1 a.m. A midnight cake auction will also raise funds.
Zerger Field will be a lively place until well after midnight. Brenner mentioned three events in particular. The luminary ceremony is always impressive, she said, and everyone should experience a Queen of the Night Pageant at least once. The Fight Back ceremony will include a speaker and encouragement for participants to commit to some action to prevent cancer or find it early.
Brenner has put in her order for a rain-free night, but said the committee will keep a close eye on the weather to ensure the safety of participants. Brief showers may just delay activities a while, but a storm or a steady downpour would be cause for relocation.
The Relay is tobacco-free, alcohol-free and pet-free. Wristbands will be issued to all team members, and children on site after the luminary ceremony will be asked to leave unless they are on a team or accompanied by a parent.
