Relay For Life of Christian County will be embracing a special milestone Friday, as the cancer survivor and remembrance ceremony moves into its 30th year in Hopkinsville.
Pam Futrell, with the organization, said teams are welcome to start moving into the Sportsplex around 8 AM Friday, with doors opening to the public around 5 PM, festivities beginning at 6 PM, and everything winding down around 11 PM.
Target fundraising certainly varies year to year, but Futrell noted all monies donated and collected by teams stays within Christian County.
With a 30th anniversary comes a few new options for visitors and supporters. Futrell said more birthdays will be celebrated Friday evening, and a cornhole tournament will open up the party. Teams are encouraged to register on walk-ups beginning at 5:30 PM. The cost is $20 with a 6 PM start, and gift cards prizes will be awarded for the top three finishing teams.
The opening ceremony will begin at 6:45 PM, and will include a Presentation of Colors from the Hopkinsville Fire Department Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem sung by Julie Davis. Bro. David Harrison, of Concord Baptist Church, will offer an opening prayer.
Futrell, Crystal Hightower and Jennie Stuart Health PR Director Chris Jung will provide a welcome statement, which will be followed with the ever-touching “Survivor’s Lap.”
Another new installment, Hopkinsville Martial Arts will be conducting an athletic presentation at 8 PM. All monies raised by individuals, teams and companies must be turned in by 8:15 PM.
For the 9 PM “Luminaria” Ceremony, it’s customary for the lights to completely dim and for visitors to remain silent in vigil. There will be no tearing down of “campsites” or walking allowed during this time. Teams can remain in their camps, but all electronic devices must be silenced. Futrell said bags, mason jars and hooks will be on sale from 5-8 PM, and that jars and hooks can be taken home following those intimate moments.
“Luminaria” readers will be Judge John Atkins and Bro. Ron Hicks.
The highly-anticipated sequel “Hocus Pocus 2” will be shown at the celebration’s close, with drinks, popcorn and candy will be sold during this time.
Awards that will be presented throughout the evening include the “Top Veteran Team,” the “Top Rookie Team,” the “Best Campsite Theme,” the “Best Team Banner” and “The Most Team Spirit.”
A handful of gift baskets from the teams, with a combined value of $1,500, will also be available for silent auction.
For more information, contact Futrell at (270) 498-1778, or visit online at Facebook or relayforlife.org/christianky.
