Community rallies behind ‘Relay for Life’

With 25 teams and more than 320 registered participants, organizers are ecstatic that their goal has been reached for enrolment in the “Relay for Life.”
With the opening ceremony set to start at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) at Pither’s Point, the finishing touches now are being made for the Canadian Cancer Society’s signature community event.
“We have actually surpassed enrolment from the previous ‘Relay’ that was held in Fort Frances in 2004,” noted April Szpara, the co-coordinator from the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Our head office in Thunder Bay was not expecting such a great turnout,” she added.
The big tent was going up this afternoon courtesy of the Muskies and Shane Bliss. Facilities manager Frank Strain has everything ready for the huge bonfire that will be lit at midnight tomorrow.
Food manager Nadine Johnson said the response from the public and business owners has been wonderful.
“Everyone has just been approaching me on the street . . . wanting to donate something towards purchase of food and other items,” she enthused. “it has just been fantastic!”
The Wienie Wagon and O’Fudge will be on site during the evening to tempt participants and spectators with their freshly-prepared fare.
From 5-7 p.m., there will be a Kids’ Corner, with face-painting, a colouring contest, fish pond, and balloons.
After the formal opening, including the debut of the “Relay for Life” Junior Choir and remarks from local MPP Howard Hampton, Fort Frances Coun. Todd Hamilton, and representatives for MP Ken Boshcoff and the Canadian Cancer Society, the “Relay” officially gets underway—escorted by the Rainy Lake Highlanders, the local Air and Sea Cadets, and the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
Back on the main stage, entertainment will continue with Billy Boucher and UMYAC drummers. Three live bands, a comedian, and breaks for some invigorating exercise round out the entertainment.
Over on the activities side, volleyball, slo-pitch, cribbage, a pajama lap, and the “Wacky Olympics” are sure to keep the participants awake during the night-long event.
Teams have been encouraged to decorate their sites in a “theme” and to wear costumes.
“The team captains were just ‘pumped’ at the last team captains’ meeting,” said Char Strain, who is head of registration and team support.
“There’s lots of rumours out there about some pretty neat decorating and costume ideas—it’s going to be a lot of fun!”
June Keddie, Elsie Cameron, and Shirley Nixon will be manning the “Cancer Smart” shop, which opens at 5 p.m., as does the Survivors’ Tent.
About 50 cancer survivors are expected to attend.
Entertainment and activities will come to a brief halt at exactly 10 p.m. to honour those who have passed away, and those who are still fighting with cancer, in the emotional “luminary ceremony,” under escort from the Fort Frances Highlanders.
Luminaries are small candles placed in tiny white bags that line the track.
Linda Angus, head of luminary sales, said they had sold a little over 560 as of Tuesday, but expected at least 1,000 more to be sold during the evening.
“We always sell out,” she remarked.
Angus has an army of volunteers who will be filling the little bags with sand and marking them with the names of the honorees.
Jody Bonner-Vicker’s Grade 8 class from J.W. Walker School will be volunteering tomorrow to help get the luminaries organized.
Volunteers should check in at the volunteer tent on the site tomorrow to sign a waiver, and get their T-shirt and food vouchers.
Committee members will be on hand to register the volunteers.
Meanwhile, pledges are still being collected online www.cancer.ca and by team captains.
Pledges also will be taken at the site tomorrow, courtesy of Josie Miller and the accounting/receipt team, and with the help of a live computer hook-up courtesy of Radio Shack/Howarth’s Home Centre.
“The organization that went into this is just amazing,” said Linda Hamilton, with the Entertainment and Activities subcommittee. “Everything is ready to go!”
The 2006 Fort Frances “Relay for Life” committee extends an open invitation to the public to come out and take part in the opening ceremony tomorrow evening.
People are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, sun hats, and sunscreen to Pither’s Point any time after 4:45 p.m. Parking directions will be posted.