Twenty four teams.
More than 300 people.
All united for a single cause — raising money to find a cure for cancer.
This Friday night, those team members and others in the community will come together for the ninth annual Relay for Life in Owen County.
The goal is to raise $75,000 for the American Cancer Society but the real goal is to come together as a community to fight a battle in the war against cancer.
“We are so excited about Relay 2006,” said event chairman Dawn Davis. “We have an evening planned full of entertainment, food, games and of course special recognition to celebrate the lives of our family and friends who have been touched by cancer.”
For five months, teams have been holding fundraisers and other activities to raise money for the cause.
Halloween Express, a new team this year, held a Character Breakfast earlier in the spring. The response was overwhelming and the team raised about $3,000 for the event.
At Dallasburg Baptist, the Wheatley Idol drew a crowd and added about $1,500 to the team’s coffers.
Owenton First Baptist has put together a remembrance quilt.
And pink flamingos have been making their way around the community as People’s Bank asks local residents to join their flock to fight cancer.
“New and returning teams have brought exciting ideas to fund raising,” said Melissa David, team recruitment chairperson. “We are excited about the new teams we have on board and cannot wait to see what they all have in store for us on Friday night.”
These teams and others will continue their fundraising efforts Friday night. Halloween Express will be doing face painting during the event. Monterey Baptist will hold a silent auction on a number of different themed baskets.
In addition, several local businesses will be on site with special offers. Hometown Pizza will be serving pizza at the track. And Subway will be selling boxed dinners featuring a cold sub, cookies and chips. Located in the concession stand, Subway’s sales will include a $1 donation to Relay.
Dairy Queen will provide breakfast to those remaining Saturday morning.
As usual, the event will kick off at 7 p.m. with the annual Survivors’ Lap, followed by a parade of teams. After the parade of teams, each of the teams is asked to have at least one walker on the track at all times to symbolize the ongoing and constant fight to find a cure for cancer.
While they are walking, however, there will be lots of activities and events to keep the crowd entertained throughout the evening.
For the kids, Honey Hill Farms will have a petting zoo onsite from 7 to 9 p.m. A scavenger hunt, Mr. Relay Pageant and Pajama parade are just a few of the events scheduled to take place.
The annual luminary ceremony will be held at 10 p.m. with the names of those listed on luminaries read off in honor or memory of their fight against cancer.
A luminary form is found on page ?? in this edition.
“The continued support of this community in the fight against cancer has always been overwhelming,” Davis added. “I have participated in this event for many years and it is always very exciting to see the first team begin to set up camp, the first survivor arrive carrying their many medallions from Relays of the past and to see the first luminary bag begin to glow. This event is a great deal of work and the steering committee has stepped up to the task and all have done an excellent job in their areas. For everyone who participates in some way — it is a lot of work but it is truly a labor of love for those who we honor.”

This Year’s Teams
First Baptist Church of Owenton
New Columbus Baptist Church
New Horizons Medical Center
National Honor Society
Halloween Express (2)
Three Rivers Health Department
Monterey Baptist Church
People's Bank
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church
Maurice Bowling Middle School
Actaris (2)
Poplar Grove Baptist Church
New Liberty Baptist Church
Owen Electric Cooperative
Cabinet for Families & Children
Fairway Golf Course
First Farmers Bank
First Christian Church of Owenton
Dallasburg Baptist Church (2)
Owen County Elementary School

Schedule of Events

7 p.m. Survivor’s Walk/Opening Ceremonies
Animal petting zoo for kids, 7-9 p.m.
8 p.m. Scavenger hunt
* Ronnie Wooten
8:30 p.m. * Shack-shakin Hoe-downers
9 p.m. T-shirt signatures
* No Tools Loaned
10 p.m. Luminary Ceremony
11 p.m. * Poplar Grove Baptist Church
11:30 p.m. * Marshall Gibson Band
12 a.m. Mr. Relay Pageant
* Monterey River Band
1 a.m. Line dancing
1:30 a.m. * Aaron Wainscott Band
2 a.m. Karaoke challenge
3 a.m. Limbo contest
4 a.m. Favorite costume contest
5 a.m. Bobbye Ann Bowling P.J. Parade
5:30 a.m. Rooster crowing contest
6 a.m. Breakfast (provided by Dairy Queen)
7 a.m. Closing ceremony
* Groups that are tentatively scheduled to perform

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