FARMINGTON – More than 100 participants kicked off the 17th Franklin County Relay for Life event by taking a lap around the fairground’s field Saturday afternoon.
All 13 teams are united in their goal to raise funding for the American Cancer Society’s work to end cancer. The event, which will run until midnight, celebrates those who have battled cancer, their caregivers and remembers loved ones lost.
This year’s event is dedicated to Taylor Lane, 13, of Phillips, who is battling cancer. The daughter of Karen Holbrook and Shane Lane, Taylor was diagnosed late last year with a rare form of lymphoma.
For the 9 hours of the Relay for Life, members of each team will take turns walking around the track so there is a member from each team on the track at all times. This year’s walk theme is”TV Land.”
Gilligan, the skipper and Mary Ann led the first lap behind the Party Lite team banner. Lap activities include themed eras, a hula hoop contest and toga wear.
The Relay for Life, held in numerous communities across the state, changed this year from an all night event to one that ends at midnight, noted the state relay manager, Mac Watts, of the American Cancer Society.
“The change was made because the overnight event was really a struggle for some,” Watts said. “By having it end at midnight we hope more people will get involved.” The change also included going from a Friday evening start to a Saturday afternoon.
This year, fund raising is down about 25 percent from last year. Normally, 18 to 20 teams, totaling 200 or more participate in the relay. Watts said the state’s relays will be evaluated at the end of the summer to see if the changes made have a positive effect on overall participant numbers.
Great job to all the teams and the people that attended, and special thanks to Mac Watts for all he does for us. The Relay For Life would not be possible to pull off if not for all of the help that we get from our community, Franklin County Fairgrounds , E.L. Vining and Son’s, Archie’s disposal, Jay Rental, Poland springs and Franklin Savings Bank. Also a very special thank you to bagpiper Aidan Underwood for playing during our luminaria ceremony he did a fantastic job. Your grandfather has taught you well. We hope to see all of you next year. Again thanks to all who have supported us over the past years and participated in this years event.
Thank you Mort you did a awesome job!