Glowing paper bags in memory or honor of cancer patients will illuminate the Iola square Friday night during the annual Allen County Relay for Life.
Relay for Life is celebrating 19 years this weekend from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. Relay for Life got its start in 1980 and is celebrating its 35th anniversary. The Relay raises funds for cancer research and awareness of the disease.
The event is themed around the decade that the Relay got its start, “Party Like It’s 1980 — Don’t Stop Believing.”
Survivor registration runs from 5 to 6 p.m. Pre-entertainment will be provided by the Old Time Fiddlers and Pickers and tickets for inflatable games can be purchased for $2 each or $10 for unlimited access.
The opening ceremonies begin at 6. After the National Anthem, invocation and welcoming message from committee leader, Denise Smith, cancer survivors and caregivers will take the first lap around the square. Relay teams and committee members will then be introduced. Thirteen teams are participating
An auction begins at 7 o’clock at the stage, with a variety of baskets and items for purchase.
Entertainment will be provided by Greater Than Fables, based out of Galena. Following the entertainment will be the Luminaria Ceremony and a moment of silence will be observed for those who have lost their battle with cancer.
At 10 p.m. the entertainment will continue with an Elvis impersonator .
Games will begin at 11 p.m. and will continue throughout the night.
The wrap up and awards presentation will take place at 5:45 a.m. and closing comments will be at 6 a.m.
Overnight fundraiser kicks off Friday
